CCSD Advanced Learning
Chapter 9: Concerning the Giant Balloon Life Raft
Professor Sherman learns about one final invention that has the most importance to the inhabitants of Krakatoa. The “Giant Balloon Life Raft” is just as its name implies. It is the “emergency vehicle” for the inhabitants to leave the island if there was a major catastrophe. Knowing now, all the dangers of living on a violent volcanic island, Professor Sherman asks, “Why do you people live here on top of this dormant volcano when with a handful of diamonds you could live a life of lavish ease and comfort in any other country?”
Task 1: Launch Day!
Your teacher will choose a Launch Day and location for your balloon launch. The ideal day has a low temperature, very little wind, and no rain. During the launch, you will remain seated until your teacher calls your group to the launcher. After your balloon launches, you may follow it to retrieve it. Students are not permitted to retrieve other team's balloons.
Task 2: Balloon Unit Extension Choice Board
Select a project from the Balloon Unit Extension Choice Board by signing up for a project when your balloon is complete. ​You will have 2-3 opportunities to work on this in class. All students will be responsible for completing an extension project by the end of this semester.
Editor At Large
Click image to download directions packet
-
Select a Balloon Directions Packet to review and edit.
-
Save a copy, then make corrections using a colored pencil or on a scratch sheet of paper.
-
Think about what needs clarification or what would have helped you to understand the directions better.
Lights, Camera, Action!
-
Create and produce a tutorial video! Choose from the following topics:
-
Designing Your Balloon
-
Creating an Accurate Template
-
Assembling the Panels
-
​
​
​Plan your video using the Storyboard Template. You will identify the key scenes and narration/dialog for each shot.
-
Think about the props you will need and who will be your actors.
-
You will record the video using a class iPad after your storyboard has been approved by the teacher.
Click image to download template
Design Your Own Balloon
Click image to download organizer
-
Using the DYOB organizer, you can design your own unique balloon, choosing from the following shapes:
-
Square or rectangular​
-
Triangular
-
Your own Unique Shape
-
-
Brainstorm to make 3 sketches of your possible design.
-
Choose 1 design, and name your creation.
-
Identify the challenges you might have with it.
-
Decide upon the finished dimensions of your balloon envelope, and how many gores you will need.
-
Design the shape of your gores, and how you plan to assemble them.
-
Once your plan has been approved by the teacher, you will receive tissue paper to construct a prototype.
​
Homework
-
Read Chapter 10 and be prepared to craft a detailed Reader's Response during our next class.
​