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GRADES 4 - 8
BALLOONAUTICS

OBJECTIVES:

  • Students are introduced to basic aerodynamics through a discussion of thrust and drag and a hands-on activity.
  • Students learn about forces, thrust, drag, air pressure, aerodynamic shapes and Newton's Third Law Of Motion (for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction).
  • Students conduct a balloon "rocket" experiment. Varying the volume of air in the balloon and shape of the balloon students record how far the "rocket" travels.
  • SAFETY NOTES: Adult Supervision Strongly Suggested -- Do not let children chew on balloons -- this is a potential choking hazard.

    • NATIONAL SCIENCE STANDARDS:
    Physical Science:

  • Properties Of Objects And Materials (K-4)
  • Motions and Forces (5-8)

    • Science As Inquiry:
  • Abilities Necessary To Do Scientific Inquiry

    • Science And Technology Standard:
  • Understanding About Science And Technology
    •

    STANDARDS FOR TECHNOLOGY LITERACY:
    The Nature of Technology:

  • Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of technology.

    • Design:
  • Students will develop an understanding of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving.

    • The Designed World:
  • Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and use transportation technologies.

    		• LECTURE AND PREPARATION TIME:


    15 Minutes

    LESSON TIME:


    30 minutes

    WORDS TO KNOW:

    • aerodynamics
    • drag
    • exhaust
    • force
    • thrust
    • pressure
    • vector
    • velocity

    SPECIAL NOTES:

  • Although the science concepts and vocabulary are intended for upper elementary and middle school students, lower elementary school students may enjoy this activity.

    • This lesson was originally developed by the Wisconsin Section of the Society of Women Engineers as part of an Elementary School Outreach Activities Kit and was the recipient of the 1997 SWE Corning Incentive Award. We wish to recognize Robin L. Wolff, P.E. for her efforts in creating this wonderful career guidance tool. A special thanks to her son, Rick, and his friends for testing each of the activities in the original kit.

    This lesson has been adapted for the SWE Internet Activities Center through a Microsoft Equal Access Program grant.

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