Whoopee Cushion

STREAM Activity: Whoopee Cushion

Gotcha! Happy April Fools!

Activity best for children ages four and up

April Fools’ Day is the perfect time for silly surprises and playful jokes! Celebrated on April 1st, this day is all about harmless pranks that make people laugh. One classic prank is the whoopee cushion, a funny tool that makes a loud sound when someone sits or steps on it. In this craft, kids can create their own whoopee cushion while learning how air can move and make sound. It’s a lighthearted way to explore a little science and share some giggles with family and friends.

VOCABULARY

  • Prank: A playful trick or joke meant to make people laugh.

  • Air: The invisible gas all around us that can move and create sounds.

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  • What do you think happens to the air inside the whoopee cushion when someone sits or steps on it?

  • If you could invent your own silly holiday like April Fools’ Day, what would it be?

MATERIALS

  • Sponge

  • Balloon

  • Tape

  • Plastic lunch bag

  • Scissors

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Place a sponge inside a small plastic lunch bag so it fits snugly.

Sponge in bag

STEP 2

Use scissors to cut a small opening at the top of the bag.

Cut small opening in bag

STEP 3

Tape the bag closed, leaving the small opening uncovered.

Tape bag closed

STEP 4

Cut a balloon in half.

Cut balloon in half

STEP 5

Tape the bottom half of the balloon over the opening of your whoopee cushion.

Tape balloon to bag

STEP 6

Press on your whoopee cushion to hear the funny sound it makes!

Squeeze whoopee cushion