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Balloon Kebab
 It doesnt take too much to pop a balloon. A sharp pin and BAM!, the balloon explodes. But will a sharp object always pop a balloon? Not necessarily. With some understanding about the materials balloons are made of, plus a little science tip, you can pierce a balloon without popping it.
What You Need
1 balloon
1 sharp wooden skewer
Vegetable Oil
What to Do
1. Blow up a balloon to its full size and then release about half of the air. Tie off the end of the balloon. (An adult may have to help you with this step.)
2. Dip the sharp tip of the skewer into the oil.
3. Gently twist and push the skewer through the bump on the end of the balloon until the skewer goes through the balloon.
4. Push the skewer out of the balloon near the knot.
5. Show your magic trick to your friends!
How it Works
Balloons are made of latex molecules. These molecules are joined together in twisted chains. When a balloon is inflated, the chains are stretched. If you put the skewer through the side of the balloon, it pops. This is because the chains of latex on the side of the balloon are stretched wide, and the skewer breaks these chains. At the ends of the balloon (where you pushed the skewer in), the chains are not stretched as much. If you push the skewer in gently, you push it between the strands of latex. Eventually, though, the air will seep out and your balloon will deflate.
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