TOPIC: Principles of Flight: Air
LEVEL: Beginner / Intermediate

"Balancing Balloons"

Balancing Balloons Movie
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[information | preparation | activity ]

SCIENCE CONCEPT:

Air is a gas which is a form of matter. Air has weight.

STUDENT OBJECTIVE:

Students will discover that although air is invisible, it has a measurable weight.

OVERVIEW:

The students will compare the weight of two balloons: one filled with air, the other empty.

TEACHER TEXT:


PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes

LESSON TIME: 20 minutes

TEACHER PREP:

WORDS TO KNOW:

MATERIALS NEEDED:

STEPS TO FOLLOW:

1. Obtain or make a balance arm scale.

2. Blow up and tie the 2 balloons. They should be approximately the same size.

3. Attach one to each end of the scale using string.

4. On one balloon attach a small piece of tape.

5. Balance the scale with the 2 balloons.

6. Slowly insert a needle into the balloon through the taped area. Remove the needle. The tape will keep the balloon from popping but the small hole will allow the air inside to escape. Observe.

WHY?

The scale will tip to indicate the balloon still containing air is heavier.

ASSESSMENT: Can the student communicate what they observed?

4 . . . . The student is able to communicate that the balloon filled with air weighs more than the empty one; therefore, air has weight.

3 . . . . The student is able to communicate that the balance tipped so the one balloon is heavier.

2 . . . . The student is able to communicate that the scale tips.

1 . . . . The student is able to communicate that the balloons have air in them.


Last modified: Mon Aug 11 10:31:11 PDT 1997