NMS Tech Ed Students Launch Hot Air Balloons

Newtown Middle School technology education students have been launching self-constructed hot air balloon models from the school over the winter months. Most recently, on March 17, some balloons constructed of multicolor tissue paper were released.

“The balloons offer a means to present academic concepts across the curriculum,” said technology education teacher Don Ramsey. “Students learn concepts in math related to volume and patterns.”

He continued, saying in science students learn density, navigation, and meteorology. In social studies, he said, students learn about the use of hot air balloons for reconnaissance missions during the Civil War. And in language arts students apply creative names and story lines to the custom made balloons.

“21st Century skills of team work and problem solving abound as students plan, construct and execute the hot air balloon flight mission,” he said.

The balloons were launched from a cylindrical canister with a mounted propane torch, according to Mr Ramsey. Once the air balloons reach a temperature of 100 degrees above the surrounding air, it is released. Mr Ramsey said many balloons have reached altitudes of 500 feet and have flown down range to Fairfield Hills.