The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Hot Air Ballooning in Arizona

Hot Air Ballooning

in Arizona

A 7th grade STEM lesson

Author: Sonia Hayes

Date: July 5, 2023

Notes for teachers

This lesson is best taught to students after content of how matter and energy cycle through the atmosphere.

​

This lesson works well with Amplify Science Weather Patterns Lesson 2.1

​

Amplify access is not needed for this activity.

​

During the cooler months, we often see many hot air balloons in Arizona. This is a great tie-in to discuss the phenomena with students.

List of Materials

Student Supplies

• Small 3x3 paper square
• Student Handout
• Reflection Sheet

​

Group Supplies

• Tissue Paper Size 11x7 (Max of 8 sheets)
• Heat resistant tape (Max of 7 inches)
• Glue Stick
• *Template for balloon panel
• Paper
• Cardboard Scraps
• Scissors

​

• Shared Class Supplies at Station
• Hot air machine
• Infrared Thermometer
• Heat resistant gloves
• Timer

Standards

Science Standard

7.E1U1.5 Construct a model that shows the cycling of matter and flow of energy in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

​

Science and Engineering Practices (SEP)

• Practice 1: Asking Questions.
• Practice 2: Developing and Using Models.
• Practice 3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations.
• Practice 4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data.
• Practice 5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking.
• Practice 6: Constructing Explanations.
• Practice 7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence.
• Practice 8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.

• ​
• ​

ELA/Writing

7.W.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Objective(s):

Today we will show how matter and energy is cycled in the atmosphere learning how hot air balloons work.

​

Understand how heat energy transformations work in the atmosphere and affect objects within it.

​

Today we will follow the engineering process to create and launch a hot air balloon of our own.

​

Agenda (1-2, 60 min class periods.

Day 1

Intro/Anticipatory Set/Opening

Video

2nd Into/Anticipatory Set/Opening

Mini Background/Vocabulary

Your Challenge

• Materials
• Group Roles
• Brainstorming/Planning Guide

Project

Day 2

Into/Anticipatory Set/Opening

Video

Plan in Action

• Last minute adjustments

Testing Phase

Assessment/Reflection Phase

Remediation

• DIfferentiation
• Extension/Enrichment

Intro/Driving Question/Opening: Day 1

​

​

What do you notice? What do you wonder?

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

​

​

Hands-on Activity Instructions

• Suggested group structure
• Step by step instructions
• Images may be helpful to show how things are setup

​

​

Brainstorming & Planning Guide

​

What is the challenge?

​

What are some of the difficulties you will have on this challenge?

​

What are some of your team’s possible ideas for this challenge?

Write or sketch out ideas with labels. Show how supplies will be used. Be specific.

You will need to have at least two ideas listed with explanations or labels.

​

How will you keep track of your data to make improvements?

​

What materials will you need?

​

Revision Notes: Keep track of your changes and improvements.

​

Intro/Driving Question/Opening: Day 2

​

​

What would happen if the Earth lost its atmosphere?

Putting your plan into Action!

Assessment

Test your hot air balloon

• Does it stay together?
• Does your balloon fill up and hold air?
• Does it float? (How high?)

​

Group Role

• Did you fulfill your job role?

​

Reflection

• Thought and effort given to completing reflection sheet.

​

​

Differentiation

For students who need additional support, you will want to automatically give them a template.

​

Group roles may also be assigned to student’s strengths.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

This project can easily be adapted to allow students to build larger hot air balloons.

​

Online simulation can be found here:

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/balloons-and-buoyancy

​