Flying in the Sky

Ever wonder how a hot air balloon rises in the sky? Discover the facts and paint a beautiful balloon. Could it circle the world without stopping?

• 1.

  Hot air balloons are found in many parts of the world. Their colorful designs dot the skies in many festivals during the warmer months. Design and draw your own hot air balloon using Crayola Washable Water Color Paints.

• 2.

  Start your painting by drawing a large tear drop shape. This will form the main part of your balloon. Decorate as you wish. Make sure to rinse your brush after each color to keep your palette clean.

• 3.

  Underneath the balloon is a firebox used to make the hot air that fills the balloon, causing it to rise. The firebox is usually square in shape. Paint that next.

• 4.

  Add a basket that is used to carry people. Attach it to the balloon with a series of ropes called flying lines.

• 5.

  Add a background to your painting. Imagine flying over the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. What would it look like? Draw a desert or mountain landscape. You can be the travel guide and send your balloon wherever you want to go.

• 6.

  Always wash your brush in clean water when finished.

Benefits

• Students can begin to understand the source and properties of energy and how it is created. Hot air and cold air expand and contract at different rates.

Adaptations

• Most children have had a balloon that rises by itself for a birthday or at a party. These balloons are filled with helium. Discuss why helium rises just like hot air.
• A hot air balloon is just one type of vehicle that allows air travel. Have a discussion about different ones. What is the main difference between these and a hot air balloon?
• Hot air balloons cannot be steered. In fact they are at the complete mercy of the wind. Crews follow them in cars so that they can pick up the passengers when they land. Discuss why this might be a problem.
• Assessment: Hot air balloons cannot fly in rain. Have a discussion to see if anyone can determine why. The hot air from inside the balloon is so hot that it causes water on top of the balloon to boil. This action ruins the fabric.
• Hot air is a form of energy. Discuss different types of energy that we use everyday. Electricity, solar power, fossil fuel. How do these differ from hot air?