Tresselt Family Grant: Spirit Balloon Takes Flight Over West Hartford Public School
- School Year: 2024-2025
- Applicants: Alison Lessard, Lead Applicant
- School: King Philip Middle School
- Subjects: Science, Technology
Spirit Ballooning will bring their Lindstrand Hot Air Balloon, named "Paradox," to King Philip Middle school. Darrel Long, pilot and owner of Spirit Ballooning, will give an informative presentation to the entire sixth grade in the auditorium. He will explain how hot air balloons are designed, the scientific principles involved in flying and landing hot air balloons, and the teamwork required for a flight to be a success. Students will then move outside to see the 90,000 cubic foot balloon inflated with air and heated. Weather permitting, the balloon will take a tethered flight and some lucky students will have the opportunity to help break down the balloon, basket, and burner with a combined weight of almost 800 pounds! This grant supports the sixth grade science unit on states of matter and energy which emphasizes particle arrangement and motion and the transfer of energy.