Design and Construct a Design and Construct a Model Hot-Air BalloonModel Hot-Air Balloon

ChallengeChallenge

• To design and construct a model To design and construct a model hot-air balloon. Flights will be timed hot-air balloon. Flights will be timed and the balloon that flies for the and the balloon that flies for the longest time is the winner.longest time is the winner.

All achievement begins with an All achievement begins with an individual who says “I can do it.”individual who says “I can do it.”

BackgroundBackground• A typical hot-air A typical hot-air

balloon consists of balloon consists of an envelope an envelope which is which is commonly made commonly made of nylon or of nylon or polyester. polyester.

BackgroundBackground• The envelope is The envelope is

made of a made of a combination of combination of sections, called sections, called “gores”. Balloons “gores”. Balloons often have 8, 12, often have 8, 12, 18, 20, or 24 18, 20, or 24 gores.gores.

BackgroundBackground• Load tapes are sewn Load tapes are sewn

into the gores as into the gores as they are they are manufactured. The manufactured. The load tapes are then load tapes are then connected to the connected to the attachment cables attachment cables for the basket or for the basket or gondola.gondola.

BackgroundBackground• Hot-air balloons Hot-air balloons

have a deflation have a deflation port at the top, port at the top, and a and a maneuvering vent maneuvering vent on the side. on the side.

• Propane is the Propane is the most common most common fuel source for the fuel source for the burners.burners.

SuppliesSupplies• Dry cleaner bagsDry cleaner bags• Kite string Kite string • Rubber bands Rubber bands • Paper clips Paper clips • Masking tapeMasking tape• Straws Straws • Typing paper Typing paper

ToolsTools • Popcorn popper Popcorn popper heaterheater

• Masking tape Masking tape • PaperPaper• ScissorsScissors• MarkerMarker• GlueGlue

GuidelinesGuidelines• 10 minutes is 10 minutes is

allowed for allowed for balloon designballoon design

• Draw design on Draw design on large paperlarge paper

• All changes must All changes must be added to be added to original design on original design on paperpaper

GuidelinesGuidelines• Have instructor Have instructor

approve design approve design and wait until all and wait until all designs are designs are approved before approved before beginning beginning constructionconstruction

• Use only supplies Use only supplies providedprovided

GuidelinesGuidelines • Construction and Construction and testing is only testing is only allowed during time allowed during time specified by specified by instructorinstructor

• Balloons may be Balloons may be tested as many times tested as many times as needed within as needed within allowed timeallowed time

• Flight tests are done Flight tests are done in construction areain construction area

GuidelinesGuidelines• Each group will be Each group will be

given 5 minutes given 5 minutes for flight for flight preparationpreparation

• Each group will Each group will have one chance have one chance to fly their balloonto fly their balloon

• Flight time is Flight time is recorded and the recorded and the longest flight winslongest flight wins

Discussion Discussion

• Why did the winning design Why did the winning design perform as it did?perform as it did?

• How could the winning balloon How could the winning balloon design be improved to increase design be improved to increase flight performance?flight performance?

• What was your group’s strategy?What was your group’s strategy?

Discussion Discussion

• Did any leaders emerge from the Did any leaders emerge from the group? If so, how?group? If so, how?

• How well did your group work How well did your group work together and how could it have together and how could it have been improved?been improved?

All achievement begins with an All achievement begins with an individual who says “I can do it.”individual who says “I can do it.”

We hope this activity has helped We hope this activity has helped you feel that you feel that youyou “can do it.” “can do it.”