- Hypothesis: I think it will take 10 grams (1 paper clip = 1 g) to make a balloon “float” without flying away because the helium in the balloon provides enough lift to counteract the weight of the paper clips up to a certain point.
- Variables:
- Constant variable: Size and type of helium balloon, same environment (temperature, air pressure), same paper clips
- Experimental variable: Number of paper clips attached to the balloon
- Procedure:
1. Receive a helium balloon from your teacher.
2. Tape a paper clip to each corner of a paper and tie it to the balloon (see picture).
3. Add one paper clip at a time to see if the balloon “hangs around” without flying away.
4. Record the number of paper clips at which the balloon hangs still off the ground.
5. Test balloons with different net weights and repeat steps 1–3.
- Conclusion: The balloon floated without flying away when the total weight (balloon + paper clips) was balanced by the buoyant force of the helium. The exact number of paper clips varied slightly between trials due to small differences in balloon size or helium amount, but generally hovered around 8–10 grams. This confirms that helium provides measurable lift, and the balloon “floats” when the downward force (weight) equals the upward force (buoyancy).
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of thanksgiving science worksheet.
