Ben Carter
Hot air balloons are a fun and simple STEM activity that can be made at home using a few household items. In its simplest form, a hot air balloon is made up of an envelope (the balloon), a basket, and a fuel source. In this case, the balloon is made from a super-lightweight trash can liner, the basket is made from aluminium foil, and the fuel source is birthday candles. This project is a great way to learn about air density and how hot air balloons work, but it's important to note that it requires extreme caution due to the open flame.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bag type | Thin, clear or translucent trashcan liner or dry cleaning bag |
| Plastic bag thickness | 1/2 mil (12 microns) or thinner |
| Frame material | Straws or balsa wood |
| Frame shape | Cross or "X" shape with two connected straws of equal length |
| Adhesive | Tape, preferably clear Scotch tape |
| Fuel | Birthday candles, placed 1" from the corners |
| Basket material | Aluminum foil |
| Wick exposure | Reveal candle wicks by cutting and peeling candle layers or scraping away wax |
| Fire safety | No flammable liquids nearby, keep a fire extinguisher or smothering method within reach, adult supervision |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic bag
When choosing the right plastic bag for your hot air balloon, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, the bag should be thin and lightweight. Look for a bag that is translucent or clear, as this will allow you to see the hot air filling up the balloon. Avoid using regular trash bags, as they tend to be too heavy and thick for this purpose. Instead, opt for a thin, cheap trash can liner, which can be easily found at most stores. Alternatively, you can use a dry cleaning bag, but make sure it's the short kind used for shirts, and don't forget to tape over the hole at the top.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the bag. The bigger the bag, the more hot air it can hold, which will affect its flying capabilities. If you're using a smaller bag, you might need to adjust the number of candles you use to ensure it fills up with enough hot air to lift off. You can also try using a larger bag if you find that your balloon is melting due to heat concentration.
It's crucial to ensure that your plastic bag is hole-free. Before constructing your balloon, test the bag by placing its opening in front of a small fan. This will help you determine if there are any gaps or holes that could affect the balloon's performance. Additionally, consider using a bag made from biodegradable materials, especially if there's a chance your balloon could get lost outdoors. This way, you can minimize the environmental impact of your project.
When connecting the bag to the frame, use lightweight tape sparingly. Too much tape can add unnecessary weight to your balloon, hindering its ability to fly. Finally, always prioritize safety when working with open flames. Ensure adult supervision and keep a fire extinguisher or a smothering method nearby at all times.
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Preparing the candles
To prepare the candles for your hot air balloon, you will need birthday candles, a sheet of aluminium foil, and a lighter.
First, cut a 4-inch square from the aluminium foil. This will be your "basket". Then, draw a dot about 1 inch inside each corner. Cut 2 birthday candles in half and carefully peel the wax off one end to reveal the wick. You can do this by partially cutting through the candle and sliding the scissors along to scrape away the wax.
Next, use the lighter to melt some wax from the bottom end of the candle, creating a pool of wax about 1 inch from each corner of the foil. Before the wax hardens, stick the exposed wick-end of the candle into the melted wax and hold it in place until the candle stands upright on its own. Repeat this process for the remaining candles, placing them 1 inch in from the other three corners. Be gentle, as too much jostling will cause the candles to fall out. If this happens, simply melt more wax and secure the candle in place again.
Finally, fold up the edges of the foil to create a "wall" around the candles. This will help contain the wax as it burns and prevent it from dripping outside the basket.
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Making the straw frame
To make a straw frame for a hot air balloon, you will need straws and tape. The tape should ideally be clear Scotch tape. You will also need a thin plastic bag, such as a trashcan liner, to help you measure the length of the straws.
First, measure the width of the bag's opening and cut two straws to this length. If you are using bendable straws, cut off the bendy part so that only the straight section remains.
Next, connect the two straws together by cutting a small slit (about 1/4 inch) at the bottom of one straw and inserting the uncut end of the other straw into the cut end. Wrap a small piece of tape around the joint. Keep doing this until you have two long pieces of identical length, each made from three straws connected together.
Now, place one piece on top of the other in the middle to form a cross or an X shape. Tape the two pieces together. Be careful not to use too much tape, or the frame will be too heavy.
Finally, tape the opening of the bag to the frame. Tape one corner of the bag to one end of the frame, and then tape the opposite corner to the other end of the frame. Repeat this for the remaining two corners.
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Attaching the bag to the frame
Choosing the Right Bag
Select a thin, clear or translucent plastic bag, such as a lightweight trash can liner or a dry cleaning bag. Avoid regular trash bags or plastic grocery bags, as they will be too heavy for your balloon. If you're using a dry cleaning bag, seal the hole at the top first.
Preparing the Bag
Before attaching the bag to the frame, ensure it is the correct size. Measure the width of the bag's opening, and cut the bag to fit snugly inside the frame. The bag should be slightly larger than the frame to allow for easy attachment. Check for any holes in the bag by placing it in front of a small fan. If there are holes, seal or patch them to ensure the balloon can hold air.
Attaching the Bag
Now, you're ready to attach the bag to your straw frame. Use lightweight tape, such as clear Scotch tape, and apply it sparingly. Tape the opening of the bag to the frame, creating a square-shaped hole. Tape each corner of the bag to the corresponding end of the frame. Ensure the bag is securely attached to the frame, but be careful not to use too much tape, as it can add extra weight.
Safety Precautions
Remember to always exercise caution when working with an open flame. Ensure there are no flammable liquids nearby, and keep a fire extinguisher or a smothering method within reach. It is recommended to have adult supervision when experimenting with fire. Additionally, be mindful of the environment and wildlife when launching your balloon. Use biodegradable materials and dispose of the balloon properly to avoid littering or harming wildlife.
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Launching the balloon
Launching your straw and candle hot air balloon is an exciting moment, but it requires careful preparation and attention to fire safety. Here is a step-by-step guide to launching your balloon:
Prepare the balloon:
Before you begin, ensure you have followed the steps to make a hot air balloon from straws and candles. Check that the straws are securely taped together and that the candles are firmly attached to the foil basket and the straw frame. Inspect the plastic bag for any holes, as mentioned in the preparation steps. Even a small hole could cause the balloon to fail, so be meticulous in your check.
Choose a suitable location:
Select an open, mostly empty room to fly your balloon. It is best to avoid flying outdoors, as there is often too much breeze for the balloon to fly. An indoor space like a lobby or a large room is ideal. Always be mindful of potential fire hazards in the area, and ensure there are no flammable liquids or materials nearby.
Final checks:
Before ignition, ensure that a fire extinguisher or a smothering method is within reach. If possible, turn off any smoke alarms or fire alarms to prevent them from being triggered.
Lighting the candles:
Have one person hold the closed end of the bag up and away from the basket, while another person lights the candles with a long-stemmed lighter. Continue holding the bag until it fills with hot air and stands on its own. This should take around a minute.
Liftoff:
Once the balloon is inflated and standing upright, carefully release it. The balloon should now be airborne. If you have attached a string to the balloon, ensure you have a firm hold on it to control the balloon's flight path and prevent it from drifting out of reach.
Enjoy watching your creation take to the skies!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a thin plastic bag, straws, birthday candles, a sheet of aluminium foil, tape, a ruler, a small fan, and a lighter.
First, cut a 4-inch square from the aluminium foil and make a small wall to contain the wax. Then, cut and melt the candles, sticking them to the foil. Next, make a frame out of straws and tape the candle tray to it. Finally, tape the opening of the thin plastic bag to the frame, ensuring there are no holes.
When the candles are lit, the bag will fill with hot air. The expanding property of gas is what enables hot air balloons to inflate and fly. The hot air inside the balloon is less dense than the cold air surrounding it, allowing the balloon to float.
