Title
Launching a Ballooning Program in a Middle School Setting
Start Date
1-7-2016 9:45 AM
End Date
1-7-2016 10:10 AM
Abstract
Stratospheric ballooning is a STEM-rich activity that allows students to design their own experiments and send them into the unique environment of near space. The educational value of stratospheric ballooning includes creative, open-ended discovery combined with the rigors of designing and building experimental payloads that will withstand a launch to over 80,000 feet into the atmosphere.
There are a variety of models for introducing students to stratospheric ballooning. While some educational ballooning programs are set up as after-school activities, we chose to work with two classes of 8th grade earth science students during their regular classroom time. We also chose to both build and fly the students’ payloads even though there are organizations that will fly and retrieve student-built payloads on a fee basis.
To create a successful ballooning program in any pre-college setting, there are several important points to consider. We have identified four key areas of interest to help ensure that your ballooning program will be sustainable: Easing the learning curve, managing logistics, ensuring student engagement, and securing program funding.
From training workshops and vendor options to student engagement strategies, we will share our experience starting up a collaborative, team-based ballooning program that is making near-space exploration accessible to middle school science students.
Launching a Ballooning Program in a Middle School Setting
Stratospheric ballooning is a STEM-rich activity that allows students to design their own experiments and send them into the unique environment of near space. The educational value of stratospheric ballooning includes creative, open-ended discovery combined with the rigors of designing and building experimental payloads that will withstand a launch to over 80,000 feet into the atmosphere.
There are a variety of models for introducing students to stratospheric ballooning. While some educational ballooning programs are set up as after-school activities, we chose to work with two classes of 8th grade earth science students during their regular classroom time. We also chose to both build and fly the students’ payloads even though there are organizations that will fly and retrieve student-built payloads on a fee basis.
To create a successful ballooning program in any pre-college setting, there are several important points to consider. We have identified four key areas of interest to help ensure that your ballooning program will be sustainable: Easing the learning curve, managing logistics, ensuring student engagement, and securing program funding.
From training workshops and vendor options to student engagement strategies, we will share our experience starting up a collaborative, team-based ballooning program that is making near-space exploration accessible to middle school science students.