#ExploreElul 11: Trust

​Today’s topic is Trust

Trust is embedded in almost everything we do. Since this is #ExploreElul and we are looking at Elul from a STEM perspective, let’s look at Trust the same way, trusting that an experiment or procedure will work even if it doesn’t look like it will and not giving up too early.

For this week’s experiment we are looking at two common reactions: baking soda and vinegar which makes an awesome volcano; and sugar, water and yeast, which is how bread is able to have a lovely, pillowy texture.

Both of these reactions create gases, which we are demonstrating using a balloon that will inflate as the reactions continue. In our video, you’ll notice that the baking soda and vinegar reaction is almost instantaneous, while the sugar and yeast reaction is slow and steady. 

Science, and baking, have proven time and again that these reactions will work, but even we at JEdSTEM had a moment of uncertainty watching the sugar and yeast. We trusted the reaction was taking place, and began to notice the little twitches as the balloon filled up. 

Try out the experiment at home! Be sure to use proper safety procedures and tag @jedstem  and #ExploreElul in your post!

Materials Need:

• Two empty water bottles
• ½ cup white or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 balloons
• Two scientists

Procedure:

1. In Bottle 1: Put ½ cup vinegar,
   
2. In Bottle 2: Put ½ cup warm water.
3. In Balloon 1: Carefully put 1 teaspoon baking soda inside. A second pair of hands is helpful to hold the balloon open. Attach the balloon to Bottle 1, so that the baking soda stays inside, but the balloon is secure around the opening.
4. In order to set both experiments at the same time, you will need two people
   1. Bottle 2: Empty the yeast packet and sugar to the bottle with the warm water. Attach the empty balloon to the top of the bottle quickly.
   2. Bottle 1: Turn the balloon vertically so the baking soda falls into the bottle.
5. Watch your balloons for the next 30 minutes to 2 hours to see what happens! 
6. Share your results on Facebook or Instagram and tag #ExploreElul and @JEdSTEM