Hot air balloon visit supports science lesson

Local hot air balloon pilot, Sherry White, and her crew recently brought the world of chemistry to life for students at Wa-Hi. This special visit marked the culmination of chemistry classes' in-depth study of the gas laws, providing students with a hands-on understanding of the science they had been learning in the classroom.

Having recently engineered their own hot air balloons out of garbage bags and candles in the classroom, they were able to step outside onto the field and witness the colorful balloon fill with air particles and then turn upright as heat from the propane burners was applied. This enabled them to experience firsthand how pressure, temperature, volume, and the number of gas particles interplay to govern the behavior of gases.

Between alternating blasts of heat, Sherry shared engaging stories from various balloon flights and explained how pilots must consider wind and other weather when deciding to fly as well as how to choose a landing location and the preparation that goes into becoming certified as a pilot. Students were then treated to the process of deflating and landing the balloon.

This engaging and unforgettable experience left the students with a newfound appreciation for the power of scientific principles in our everyday lives and a memory they'll cherish for years to come.