Unit 7: Hot Air Balloon: Thermal Buoyancy and Balloon Design

1. Kinetic Molecular Theory: How heat increases molecular motion, causing air to expand and become less dense.

2. Density & Buoyancy: Why a temperature differential between the inside and outside of the balloon creates upward lift.

3. Geometry of Gores: How to translate 2D shapes (tissue paper panels) into a 3D volume.

4. Surface Area vs. Volume: The relationship between the "skin" of the balloon and the amount of lift it can generate.

5. Payload Physics: How to calculate the maximum weight a balloon can carry before reaching equilibrium.

1. Measure & Cut: Practice precision measurement while cutting tissue paper panels (gores).

2. Fabricate: Use "glue-seam" techniques to assemble multiple gores into a functional balloon envelope.

3. Simulate Lift: Use heat guns and launchers to inflate the balloons safely.

4. Load Test: Attach payloads (washers/paper clips) to determine the "Lift Capacity" of their specific design.

5. Analyze: Document flight altitude and duration, troubleshooting leaks or structural imbalances.

Students must successfully launch a tissue paper balloon that maintains flight for a minimum of 30 seconds. The final assessment should include the surface area calculations, the "Lift-to-Payload" ratio, and a reflection on how ambient temperature (environment) affected their flight.