Up and Away with Hot Air Balloons

Age Range: K-12

Liberty Balloon Company offers a unique educational program for elementary and secondary schools. Our assembly entitled "Up and Away with Hot Air Balloons!" combines the natural excitement of the balloon with a wealth of teaching experience.

Our program "Up and Away with Hot-Air Balloons" consists of two segments, an illustrated presentation and a live demonstration.

Slide Presentation

The heart of the program is a presentation illustrated with slides. The pilot/presenter shares with the students how balloons work and what kinds of things can be done with balloons. Many subjects are covered during this time including the history of ballooning and aviation, the effect of weather, the mechanics of modern ballooning, licensing, and how the natural high is better than drugs. This portion of the program is flexible, and can be tailored to any subject to emphasize science or to complement a reading program, for example.

Live Demonstration

The demonstration is where the students see the balloon in action...inflated, and up close & personal! Witnessing firsthand an inflation of a real balloon is a magnificent and inspiring sight, one that students and teachers alike will never forget.

  • Outdoor Demonstration:
    This is what most people think of when they imagine a balloon coming to school. If you wish, and if the weather permits, we might be able to inflate the balloon on a ballfield or in the schoolyard. Once the balloon is inflated and upright, if the wind is calm enough, we might even be able to give one or a few rides up and down on a tether. (We will keep the balloon tied with ropes so the wind will not carry it away.) Students are really excited seeing their principal or ateacher go up for a ride. This demonstration takes about 45 minutes.
  • Indoor demonstration:
    If you prefer, we can do an equally exciting (and even more educational) demonstration indoors in a gymnasium, cafeteria, multi-purpose room...or whatever facility you have. This demonstration is also our backup when weather prohibits inflating outdoors.

Testimonials

"This was an awesome assembly. Captain Bob was great! He was very informative and so kind to our staff and students. We actually finished both assemblies 5 minutes ago and I couldn't wait to fill this out to express my thoughts. Our students who are mostly urban population rarely get to see something like this. They loved it so much; as well as my staff. Keep up the great work!"
Gina Borea - Supervisor
Windsor Schools
Paterson, NJ

"Today's hot air balloon assembly was fantastic! Mr. Teitsworth did a great job engaging the kids in the explanation of ballooning and in keeping their interest all through the demonstrations. As integrating real world applications of the science curriculum is essential to motivating kids to learn and appreciate science, this assembly was a great way to peak their interests and connect the curriculum to the world and to something concrete. The kids had a great time, and are very enthusiastic about flying...we will definitely be back for more next year!"
Nadine Coletta - Science Teacher
John Glenn Middle School
Bedford, MA

"My students, staff, and I were just treated to one of your awesome assemblies, 'Wings of my Own.' The presenter, Mr. Teitsworth did an amazing presentation both outside and inside. My students were enthralled. The winds weren't 100% cooperative, but the pilot was able to fill the balloon almost to lift-off status. The students were excited to see this huge visualization and to learn about the history of balloon flight. Mr. Teitsworth was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. This was the best assembly we've ever booked. Thanks for offering us this once in a lifetime opportunity."
Dr. Kathleen Casey - Principal
Independence Jr. High School
Palos Heights, IL