I love this physical science experiment that demonstrates how mixing a solid and a liquid can produce a gas. It's included Nonverbal Autism Homeschool's First Grade curriculum, but anyone can replicate it at home.

All you need is an empty water bottle, white vinegar, baking soda, balloons and kitchen funnels.

Use orange, white or purple balloons in the fall to make a jack-o-lantern, ghost or monster like we did. It's easy to adapt for any time of year.

Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into the bottle. Then, pour 1 1/2 Tablespoons of baking soda into the balloon. Make sure the baking soda is sitting in the bottom of the balloon. You may need to blow some air into your balloon and release it first before adding baking soda to make sure the insides of your balloon aren't stuck together.

Carefully stretch the mouth of the balloon over the top of the bottle without getting any baking soda into the bottle. Then, hold the balloon upright to mix and watch the balloon grow as it fills with carbon dioxide, a gas!

My student has done this experiment before, so he knew what to do. However, I'd recommend doing it yourself the first time to show your student what to do and that there isn't anything to be afraid of. 

First graders may not totally comprehend the physical science aspect, but I've found that when you teach it again in a later grade, they will remember these early experiments and find it easier to learn the second time. My student always finds it much easier to master every topic, concept and skill the second time around.

Fun experiments like these also make science come alive and stir intellectual curiosity. 

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