CK-12 Foundation
Runaway Balloon
When a child lets go of a helium balloon, what happens to it? Does it float all the way to space? The simulator allows pupils to experiment on party balloons and weather balloons under different conditions to see what happens to them in...
NASA
Make a Planetary Exploration Balloon
Balloons aren't just for parties! An inquiry-based lesson explores the idea of using balloons for space exploration. Learners become engineers as they attempt to control the ascent and descent of a helium balloon using different masses.
Curated OER
Art: Hot Air Balloon Replicas
Learners investigate the science behind hot air balloon flight. In a lecture and demonstration, they observe how helium-filled balloons are affected by the wind. Using basic household items such as newspaper, paper cups, and balloons,...
DiscoverE
Pilot a Balloon
Balloons will go where you want them to. Young pilots first add paper clips to a balloon to make it neutrally buoyant. They then use cardboard to steer the balloon in different directions, taking air pressure into account.
Curated OER
Helium Balloon Race
Students determine the force of a helium balloon that allows it to rise a specific distance. In this helium instructional activity students calculate the amount of paper needed to construct a weight and determine the density of a piece...
Curated OER
Balloons
Learners explore the different types of balloons. In this materials lesson students can complete several experiments including building their own hot air balloons, making balloon animals and experimenting with static electricity.
Curated OER
Bag Balloons
Students demonstrate that heat can change air. They determine that hot air rises. Students construct a working model of a hot air balloon. They understand that there are two ways that a balloon can rise: it can (1) be filled with a...
Curated OER
Gases Lighter and Heavier than Air
Young scholars explore the concept of air density. In this air density lesson, students fill balloons with helium and carbon dioxide. Young scholars determine which gases are heavier or lighter than air.
Curated OER
Latex Helium Balloons: Any Alternatives?
Students discuss the latex balloon release controversy and review suggested alternatives to the latex balloon.
Curated OER
Fun with Balloons
Fifth graders design their own hot air balloon. In this science lesson, 5th graders investigate how factors like weight and sizes affect a balloon's lifting power. They also write math problems based on facts written in the book "The...
Curated OER
THE TRAVELS OF BABAR: An Adventure in Scale :Building a Model Hot Air Balloon
Young scholars encounter basic facts about helium and hot air. They compare the weight and size of different materials. Students work collaboratively in teams. They create their own model balloon.
Curated OER
Name That Gas!
Young scientists discover that air is a mixture of different gases - mainly nitrogen and oxygen. The properties of some of the other gases found in oxygen are listed in a table, then learners must decide which one of those gases is...
Curated OER
See The Wind!
Students learn about wind at different altitudes above the earth. In this wind lesson plan, students use kites or balloons with attached streamers to observe the wind speed, wind turbulence and shear at different elevations. Students...
It's About Time
The Rear End Collision
Did you know one in every four car crashes are rear end collisions? The lesson explains what happens to your neck when you are involved in a rear end collision. Scholars experiment and apply Newton's Second Law of Motion.
Curated OER
See the Wind
Young scholars explore alternative energy sources. For this wind energy lesson, students will investigate the difference in the speed and smoothness of wind at different altitudes above earth. Young scholars will use kites, helium...
Curated OER
Why Do Hot Air Balloons Float?
In this Charles' Law worksheet, students solve 8 gas law problems where the pressure is constant and the volume varies directly with the temperature.
Curated OER
How Can You Tell One Clear Gas From Another?
Fifth graders perform experiments to determine the identity of an unknown gas sample. In this chemistry lesson, 5th graders fill balloons with air, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. They use mass and reactivity to identify the gases.
Curated OER
Lawnchair Larry Flies!
Students research and experiment to discover the lifting power of helium gas.
Curated OER
Solids, Liquids and Gases - Part 2
Students experiment with balloons, soda water and raisins to find out about the states of matter. In this solids, liquids and gases lesson, students complete a group activity with balloons to recognize the state of matter in it....
Santa Monica College
Lewis Structures and Molecular Shapes
Learners practice drawing Lewis dot structures, build molecules with model kits, and predict molecular shapes using VSEPR theory. The combination of written work and hands-on reinforcement benefits young scientists.
Curated OER
Up, Up and Away with the Scientific Method
Students utilize the scientific method to design a way for a balloon to be suspended between the floor and the ceiling.
Curated OER
Convection in a Pan
Students watch a demonstration using a plastic bag and a hair dryer to create a hot air balloon. After the demonstration, they discuss the results and whether or not hot water behaves the in the same manner as hot air. They conduct...
Curated OER
It's All in the Wrist
Students conduct experiments with balloons, pennies, marbles and cups to help them understand the concept of centrifugal force or Newton's Law of Motion.
Curated OER
What Is the Matter?
Students explore and identify phases of matter and compare the particle motion in solids, liquids, and gasses.