STEM Design Brief

Oh, the places you’ll go!

Curriculum Links
 Solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different
ways (ACSSU077)
 Identify, plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer questions and solve
problems using equipment and materials safely and identifying potential risks (ACSIS086)
 Reflect on and suggest improvements to scientific investigations (ACSIS091)
 Scientific knowledge is used to solve problems and inform personal and community
decisions (ACSHE083)

Design Brief
The annual sustainable kite flying competition is fast approaching but the weather is not
cooperating! How will you fly your kites with no wind?

Your mission is to create a miniature hot air balloon made from recycled materials that can
fly for at least 2 minutes and hold the weight of a Lego man pilot (about 3grams).

Important questions to ask:

What are hot air balloons normally made of and how do they work?

Investigating
In your groups answer the following questions:
 What materials would be most efficient?
 How will you keep your balloon flying for 2 minutes?
 How will you source recycled materials?

Generating
From the questions you have discussed, design 2 model hot air balloons using
sustainable/recycled materials and select the design you think is better to create your
prototype.

Producing
Using your chosen design build your balloon and test it.

Evaluating & Reflecting

Answer the following questions:
 Did your design work? Why/why not?
 Did your balloon fly for 2 minutes?
 Did you use all recycled materials?
 Did you make any changes to the original plan?
 What would you do differently next time?