Should the balloon start to burn while you are filling it with hot air, release the balloon and walk away. General Materials meter sticks scissors white glue tin snips hammer duplicating fluid, alcohol, sterno fluid thermometer Balloon Material paper 1. 2 twelve ounce cans 3. The students will be provided with the materials listed above excluding the launching pad material. The launching pad will be constructed by the teacher.
Students can select from a number of types of paper for balloon construction.
All students will be using the pattern provided and the method of construction outlined in the teacher notes for the initial balloon construction. Have students launch their balloons recording information on the balloon flight data chart provided. After the class has discussed the results see if they can develop a relationship between the type of construction materials used and the altitude obtained. Using the balloon flight data chart have the students discuss any relationships that they may find between the air temperature and the temperature at the mouth of the balloon. Students can redesign their balloons to see if they can improve the altitude obtained.