Balloon Designs-The science of hot air and trying to capture it!
Each randomly selected pair worked together to figure out a hypothesis about how long their balloon (made of a plastic shopping bag-- we have tons because of the Treks collection boxes!) would stay aloft. After the first go around, they were able to revise and make conclusions about their design.
We had a great working day on Friday and today, I had the kids review the video for more clarification on the ratio of the opening of the hole to the basket. They made great changes and just about everyone had their balloon at least float up. The first day, it took a while for them to realize that all the hot air was going in and then out of their bags. Very fun to watch them learn this. It was when Jack and Anabelle had their bag puff into a balloon that they realized what was going on.
The kids also learned to count down from 5 and up to 10 for the blow dryer to heat up the air in the balloon. They learned a lot from each other and enjoyed the collaboration with a partner.
Tomorrow, we will analyze the balloons with a Venn Diagram on what are positive and negative design ideas.