A balloon can be pierced with a needle without popping if the balloon is reinforced with clear tape. This works because the tape holds the stretched polymer molecules together, preventing the balloon from bursting.

1. Inflate a balloon until it is about three-quarters full and tie it securely.
2. Place a small piece of clear tape on the balloon, smoothing it down without air bubbles.
3. Carefully push a sharp needle through the taped area of the balloon.
4. Observe that the balloon does not pop, as the tape holds the elastic molecules together.

Pin The Balloon! - Mr. Wizard's Supermarket Science:

📄 How do you put a Needle Through a Balloon Without Popping - Go Science Girls: https://gosciencegirls.com/needle-through-a-balloon-without-popping/
🎞️ Description or Video title - Author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kou7ur5xt_4

• Dip the needle in vegetable oil before inserting it to make piercing smoother.
• Insert multiple needles to test how much stress the balloon can withstand.
• A needle can also be put through the thick ends of a balloon without the need for tape.

• Handle needles carefully to avoid injury.
• Keep balloons and sharp objects away from small children without supervision.
• Be aware that failed attempts may cause loud pops that can startle or damage hearing at close range—consider ear protection for sensitive participants.
• Dispose of broken balloon pieces promptly to avoid choking hazards.

• Why does a balloon normally pop when pierced by a needle?
• What role does the tape play in preventing the balloon from popping?
• How do polymers in the balloon’s rubber respond to stress and stretching?
• Why do certain areas of the balloon (like the tied end) resist popping better than others?
• What happens if there are air pockets between the tape and the balloon?