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In this design challenge activity, learners use two helium-filled balloons to build a blimp that can travel in a straight path across the room. The activity guide contains information for Educators on how to best facilitate the challenge as well as key vocabulary (air resistance, drag, axis of rotation, etc.). Three associated videos available for download help reinforce these concepts. It is recommended to do this activity after completing the Sky Floater Challenge.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 2 sheets of corrugated cardboard (approx. 11x17 inches)
- duct tape
- rubber bands
- paper clips
- Sky Floater balloons
- clear tape
- copier paper
- scissors
- small paper clips
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
-
Technology
- Transportation
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Energy
- Potential and Kinetic Energy
- Energy and Power
-
Motion and Forces
- Gravity
- Newton's Laws
- Rotation Motion
-
Energy
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Impacts of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
Technology and Society
Informal Categories
- Model Building
- Transportation
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
- Learner handout (English PDF)
- Learner handout (Spanish PDF)
- Air Resistance Video
- Axis of Rotation Video
- Design Process: Testing Axis of Rotation Video
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Source Collection
- Design Squad Nation
Rights:
- All rights reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, 2009
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation, 0810996