Earth and Space Science students launched tissue paper hot air balloons as part of a hands-on lesson on atmospheric physics, according to a October 20 report.
By heating the air inside lightweight structures, students observed how temperature differences create lift and drive atmospheric movement.
The activity, which served as a visual demonstration of thermodynamic principles, linked classroom concepts to real-world science. Students designed, constructed, and launched the functional balloons as part of a study on air density and temperature.
Instructor Branson Wilbur said the students took their learning outside to explore how temperature and air density affect the atmosphere while building and launching the tissue-paper balloons.
