Balloon Impacts

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In this activity, learners measure the diameter of their water balloons, model an impact, measure the diameter of the “crater” area, and determine the ratio of impactor to crater. This activity is best suited for the outdoors, in an area where there is plenty of concrete but no cars.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Water balloons
  • Nozzle to help inflate balloons
  • Water hose
  • Concrete patio or parking lot area
  • Rulers
  • Paper and pencils

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
    • Solar System
      • The Moon
      • The Planets
      • Asteroids and Comets
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Collection
    • Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
      • Circles
    • Number and Operations
      • Fractions
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Outdoor Activity
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • , Lunar and Planetary Institute, 2014