About Hot Air Balloon


In science, buoyancy (also known as upthrust) is an upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of an immersed object. The density, or more precisely, the volumetric mass density, of a substance is its mass per unit volume.

For Teachers


Key Concepts

The Hot Balloon game lets you control the altitude of the balloon through heating the balloon or releasing air from the air flaps. Hot air rises the balloon through a force called buoyancy. The difference between the outside and the inside air determines the amount of buoyancy. Using weight difference, wind speeds and limited fuel the balloon can go on the farthest rides.

Topics Addressed

  • Hot Air Rises
  • Buoyancy
  • Altitude
  • Density
  • Acceleration
  • Velocity

Standards Covered

  • MS-PS1-4
  • MS-PS2-2
  • PS 1A
  • PS 2A

Goals

The Hot Air Balloon Game will support exploration of the following concepts: The relationship between temperature and volume, volume and density. Buoyancy is the force created by the denser air pushing the less dense balloon upward. When the buoyant force is greater than gravity, upward acceleration is created.