WV State Standards: Science: AC.1.5, AC.3.1, AC.4.1, (Science 9) SC.9.5.4 Technology: TEC.9-12.1.1, TEC.9-12.1.2, TEC.9-12.3.1, TEC.9-12.3.2 National Standards:  Science: 8, 9 Technology: 2, 6 Blooms Taxonomy: Knowledge, Synthesis 21st Century Skills: Thinking & Problem Solving Skills, Interpersonal & Collaborative Skills, Social Responsibility

Students will construct a hot air balloon given basic materials and guidelines.

Time Required

Two 90 minute class periods

Pre-Requisite Skills

The ability to work in groups. Performing metric measurements.

Digital Camera

Materials List

Procedure

1. Introduce the idea of hot air balloons by having students visit a virtual hot air balloon ride.
2. Gather materials that students may use for construction of their own hot air balloon.
3. If needed, construct the charcoal burner or pursue other options of energy sources such as a blowtorch, stove pipe, or hot air hair dryer. (This will actually be used in lesson 5 during the launch.)
4. Divide students into groups of 3 or 4 to complete the construction of the hot air balloon.
5. Print and distribute the design challenge worksheet to each student.
6. Allow students to brainstorm and begin the acquisition of materials for use in construction.
7. Assist only as necessary in the construction of individual hot air balloons.
8. Encourage students to take pictures during the construction phase for inclusion in their class presentation.

Differentiated Instruction

To assist students with special needs, the construction of hot air balloons is done with students working in groups of three or more. Group work of this nature provides peer tutoring and learning by example.

Sample Student Products

Former student products in use by the authors. pic1 , pic2 , pic3 , pic4 , pic5 , pic6 , pic7

Collaboration

This activity could be utilized by a geometry teacher when instructing a lesson on shape, volume, and surface area. Although this lesson is focused mainly for chemistry, it could very well be modified to fit in a Science 9 classroom when students are studying pressure, volume, & temperature relationships.

Author's Comments

Try varying the nature of the construction material for the balloons from tissue paper to something that is both light weight and flame retardant. Additionally, remember the volume of the balloon is based on the number of gores. A 10 gore balloon looks great in flight, but is costly in terms of construction time and materials.

21st Century Assessment/Evaluation

Grading Rubric for Balloon Construction and Performance