This video clip demonstrates the use and performance of a 50 foot long solar balloon. A solar balloon demonstrates the phenomenon of the conversion of one form of energy (solar/electromagnetic) into other forms (thermal, kinetic, and gravitational potential). It is recommended that the video be shown without sound so that students are not tipped off to the science behind the phenomenon. As students watch the video, the instructor could have them write down what they think is happening. This resource is not part of a larger work and is not connected to another resource. The phenomenon shown in this video could easily be turned into an activity that students perform themselves. This phenomena can be used as a discussion starter for students to write driving questions for which they can design investigations to use to gather evidence.
Some questions that the students may discuss are: Why does the balloon rise? Does it matter what color the balloon is? Does it matter if its sunny or cloudy?
This phenomenon could easily be turned into a hands-on activity or used as a discussion starter for students to write driving questions for which they can design investigations to use to gather evidence.