Check out our twist on a balloon-power car with the Balloon Skate Challenge STEM lesson. Our students learn how to think like an engineer as the brainstorm, design, build and test their Balloon-Powered Roller Skate. This lesson is a fan favorite and can be modified for any grade level K-8. If you have never done a STEM Field Trip with us.  We recommend this one first!

The Ballon Skate Challenge helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:

• MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
• MS-PS3-5. Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from that object.

Students are given an objective, make their skate travel 5 feet on balloon power.  Additionally they have several constraints including: the skate must hold together, travel in a relatively straight line, and have four wheels. The STEM Field Trip students work individually and collaboratively to create their skate, redesign it multiple times and add balloon power to successfully complete their mission.  We end each lesson with a series of competitions to see whose car can make it the farthest.

We offer several unique activity-based STEM Field Trips that align with state standards. This 3-hour field trip will include 60-90 minutes of hands-on STEM experience led by our STEM educator, followed by the Physical Education portion of their outing, roller skating! We offer a variety of lesson topics that align with the most up-to-date curriculum guided by the Next Generation Science Standards. With many lessons available that meet your classroom standards, we are certain you will join us time and time again!

STEM FIELD TRIP INCLUDES
STEM Lesson – 60-90 Minutes
Roller Skating – 90 Minutes
Skate Rental + Protective Gear
Snack/Lunch Time – During P.E. Time
Free Public Skate Admission for a future visit

STEM FIELD TRIP RATES
$25/participant
50 participant minimum, 200 maximum
Teachers and Chaperones on STEM Field Trips skate for free

Most common time slot = 10a-1p Friday
Most common lesson = Balloon Skate Challenge

Sample STEM Field Trip Schedule for Balloon Skate Challenge
10:00a – Student Arrival
10:00-10:15a – Free Play P.E. activities on the rink surface as everyone arrives – Playground balls, hoola hoops, jump rope.
10:15a Participants are seated and STEM Lesson begins
10:15-10:45a Table Area Activities: Learn basics concepts, analyzed, design and build skate
10:45a-11a Testing and redesign
11:00a-11:15a Add Balloon Power, more testing and redesign until they accomplish their mission
11:15-11:25a Skate Races
11:25-11:35a Meet back at tables for Results and Summary Discussion
11:35-11:45a Check in for roller skating, get rental skates and gear as needed
11:45a-12:45p P.E. – Roller Skating and Lunch/Snack
12:45p-1:00p Clean up and prep to depart
1:00p STEM Field Trip End – See you next time!