We’re in high spirits around here because Halloween is right around the corner! Get ready for some spoooky science fun with this quick and easy experiment.

What you’ll need:

Tea bag—we used Tazo brand, but Twinnings and Stash work well, too.
Scissors
Marker
Baking sheet
Lighter

This experiment does involve fire, so an adult must be present. Perform in an open space away from flammable objects. Anytime you work with fire we recommend having a fire extinguisher nearby.

How to send your spirit soaring:

Carefully cut the string off of the tea bag (being careful not to cut the bag) and unfold the bag. Empty the tea out of the bag. If you have a tea infuser, you can keep the tea for later.
Draw your ghostly face on your tea bag atop your baking sheet so that the marker doesn’t run through onto the counter.
If it’s not breezy, head outside. Otherwise, find an open space on the kitchen floor or any hard-floored surface. The ghost may float as high as 4-5 ft.
Put your baking sheet on the ground and stand your ghost up in the middle.
Light your ghost from the top and step back to watch it float away.
Ash will fall, but don’t worry. It isn’t hot and won’t burn.

Whoa! What made the tea bag float?!

The heat from the fire causes the air molecules inside the tea bag to become energized and move around quickly. The air molecules are moving around so fast inside the tea bag that they spread up and out. This makes the air inside the tea bag less dense than the air outside of the tea bah, which is colder and more tightly packed.

Science is so cool it’s scary!

Adapted from STEAM Powered Family.