Hot Air Balloons Over Saklan

This week, the 8th grade created hot air balloons that would help test the ideas of buoyancy and Archimedes Principle, along with Charles’ Law in Chemistry. Using paper, glue, tape and paperclips, they engineered balloons that they thought would create the largest lift when filled with heated air.

The students worked together to fill the balloon and create lift. After some on the fly design changes, and adding different amounts of air, we finally got lift off! The engineering processes was in full effect with the 8th graders, and when hitting snags in their designs, and having environmental challenges, they were able to tinker their designs and way of thinking to accomplish their goal. With the help of the wind as well, we noticed how fluids move in and push matter.

This year, the students were able to create balloons that reached a higher altitude than any other year.

#SaklanHandsOn