Sky Floater Challenge
Source Institutions
-
WGBH
Add to listGo to activity
In this design challenge activity, learners make a balloon hover at eye level for five seconds, and then make it move by creating air currents. The activity guide contains information for Educators on how to best facilitate the challenge as well as key vocabulary (buoyancy, neutrally buoyant, Newton's 1st Law, etc.). Two associated videos available for download help reinforce these concepts.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 1 helium-filled Mylar balloon
- paper
- large garbage bags for storing the balloons (12 fit in a 42-gallon bag)
- paper clips of various sizes
- large binder clip for anchoring a balloon (optional)
- scissors
- clear tape
- corrugated cardboard (about 8 inches square)
- 2 brooms as “jaws” to capture escaped balloons (optional: if you have high ceilings)
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Earth Structure
- Atmosphere
- Earth Structure
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
- Gravity
- Newton's Laws
- Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
- Volume and Density
- Motion and Forces
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Physical Activity
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
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
