I call this activity the “magic ghost” because doing this activity will make a “ghost” magically appear before your eyes.
Of course, the magic ghost isn’t really magic at all. Instead, it’s just some good old fashioned Halloween science at work. But the effect is awesome, and this activity got squeals of delight out of my kids.
The magic ghost is super simple to do – there’s a good chance you already have everything you need to do this Halloween science activity!
Note: You can find more Halloween activities on my Halloween Activities for Kids page.
These are the supplies you need to do the magic ghost activity:
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- An empty bottle (It needs to have a fairly small diameter opening at the top. Most disposable water bottles will work.)
- A funnel
- A white balloon with a ghostly face drawn on for added effect
Start by filling the balloon with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. A funnel comes in handy for getting the baking soda in. Be sure to shake the baking soda down into the bottom of the balloon.
Next, add 1/2 cup vinegar to your bottle. Again, a funnel might come in handy here.
Place your balloon over the mouth of the bottle. Keep the baking soda sequestered in the bottom of the balloon while you do this so you don’t accidentally start the chemical reaction too soon.
Once the balloon is placed securely over the bottle, lift up the balloon to cause the baking soda to fall into the bottle. This is where the fun begins. 🙂
When baking soda comes in contact with vinegar, it creates a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide. Watch as the carbon dioxide quickly blows up your balloon, turning it into a magic ghost!
Looking for more Halloween projects that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)? Then you’ll love STEAM Kids Halloween.
This e-book includes 50+ pages of spooky fun STEAM activities that will wow the boredom right out of kids!
More Halloween resources
More Halloween posts from Gift of Curiosity:
- Mason jar jack-o-lantern
- Candy experiments
- Halloween Montessori activities
- Ghost bubbles
- Toilet paper mummies
- Pumpkin decomposition experiment
- Describe a pumpkin using all five senses
- Drip painted pumpkins
- Halloween Printables Pack
- Halloween Bingo
- Halloween do-a-dot printables
- Halloween Sudoku
You can find more Halloween activities and printables on my Halloween Activities for Kids page and Halloween Activities for Kids Pinterest board.
Follow Katie @ Gift of Curiosity’s board Halloween Activities for Kids on Pinterest.
We did this with my 4 year old today – it was a total hit. His face the first time the “magic ghost” appeared; just priceless. Needless to say, we did it a couple of more times! Thanks for the great idea!
So glad he enjoyed the activity!