Building hot
air balloons: Goal -- to create a hot air balloon that lifts the most
weight
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Build fuel platforms
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Connect two bamboo skewers.
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Cut a square of aluminum at least 1 inch
bigger than the hole on the plywood form
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Pound the aluminum into a cup, using the
form, the insert, and a hammer
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Punch holes in the rim of your aluminum cup.
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Wire your aluminum cup to the bamboo skewers,
using as little wire as possible. The cup should stay level
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Create your balloon envelope
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Use sharpies to draw your shape and the
creases on the wall.
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Use one color for the outline.
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Use another for the creases.
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On the inside of the outline, number the
edges. Give the same number to pairs of edges that need to match
up.
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On the inside, clearly label the plastic
with your names.
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Cut out your shape, using scissors. Leave at
least 5 inches of extra material outside your outline.
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Seal/cut the edges together, using the
shrinkwrap machine
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Hold the arm down firmly. Watch the light;
as soon as it turns off, "tear" the plastic free from the machine
side of the arm. Then release the arm. ***Small holes (less than 1
inch) are okay. Don't get obsessed with patching little holes. If
you patch a lot of holes, you will ruin your balloon.
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Attach your fuel platform to the balloon
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Make sure that the balloon hole is big enough
to shape into a square whose corners match the ends of the bamboo
skewers. If the hole isn't big enough, enlarge it.
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Use clear tape to securely tape your skewers
to the balloon, using as little tape as possible.
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Carefully prepare your balloon for storage.
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Write your names on every part, using a
sharpie
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Starting from the top of the balloon, squeeze
out the air. Then roll up the plastic.
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Give your materials to Mr. Stapleton