Balloons, Gases and Hand's on Fun
In this 2 week class we will explore gases (helium, air, hydrogen and carbon dioxide) and their properties. Doing this in ways that are all about fun where the learning is almost by accident instead of design.
Clifton Draper, PhD, Author, Inventor . Educator
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(1)
What's included
2 live meetings
2 in-class hoursAssessment
includedGrading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Learners will be guided through what makes gases different from liquids and solids. Demonstration-rich instruction that aim to educate while having fun. We will make carbon dioxide and each learner will be encouraged to have the necessary materials to follow along during that class. Nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and helium will be the focus of demonstrations and discussion. As the course title suggests we will compute how many helium balloons would be needed to "float away."
Learning Goals
Students will both watch and participate in. They will come to appreciate just how much gas balloons hold compared to their own lungs. They will laugh when they hear how voices change when the "air" passing through vocal cords has its air density modified. They will witness a miniature Hindenburg disaster.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with State-Specific Standards2 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
I have a dream
daydreaming about being carried away by a myriad of helium balloons. Sets the stage for gases, balloons, properties. Featured gas helium. measurement ways for gases contained in balloons. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
A well planned and executed chemical reaction
The mixing of baking soda and vinegar to make carbon dioxide. Comparison of heavy CO2 to light He to normal air. Exo and Endo thermal reactions. 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Learners will be guided through the use of vinegar and baking soda to produce and capture the carbon dioxide gas in a balloon attached to a plastic water bottle. Because the gas-filled balloon is under pressure the seal of the balloon to the water bottle opening needs to be secure. Leaky seals can result in spraying of vinegar and baking soda into the immediate area. If parent or learner would like a web-based preview visit link mentioned below. in external resources. The use of baking soda and vinegar to fill balloons or simulate a volcanic eruption are widely posted; especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) web-based site.
Supply List
learners will follow along as make carbon dioxide gas trapped inside a balloon from the reaction of vinegar and baking soda. Having the necessary supplies is not a requirement, but a learner will feel left out if others are doing and they are left to watch only. Learners will need a small box of baking soda, a quart size bottle of distilled or white vinegar, a funnel, an empty plastic water bottle (16 oz size) , half a dozen balloons typical of what might be used at a birthday party.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined April, 2024
5.0
1reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
New Jersey Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Clifton Draper has a PhD in physical chemistry and after retiring early from Bell Labs he followed his dream of teaching elementary school science and math in New Jersey. As an elementary school science specialist he taught EVERY child in the school grades K - 6 twice weekly. He was selected by his peers for recognition in teaching excellence for the Governor's Award in 2007. More importantly he was often accused by the older students, parents, teachers and administration of being a "game show host" as much as a teacher. Reviews
Live Group Class
$23
weekly or $45 for 2 classes1x per week, 2 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-4 learners per class
