LESSON DESCRIPTION:
Students use a stream of air to make neutrally buoyant helium balloons maneuver through suspended hula hoops.

TIME REQUIRED: 30-60 minutes

OBJECTIVES:
Students will learn about the Bernoulli Effect, the basic principle of flight that allows planes to stay in the air. Students will understand what is meant by neutral buoyancy and how the concept is central to the control of blimps and hot air balloons. This experiment can also be customized to allow students to learn about gases and how helium is less dense when compared to most gasses.

FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS:
Indoors only, preferably in a room that has a low ceiling (so it’s easier to retrieve stray helium balloons).

SAFETY:
Students will attempt to maneuver a neutrally buoyant helium balloon by blowing air through a straw at and near their balloon. Students are advised to be careful as they move about the room with their balloon and to stay aware of other students.

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE STANDARDS ALIGNMENT

Kindergarden: 1st Grade: 2nd Grade: 3rd Grade:   4rth Grade:   5th Grade: 6th Grade: