Building hot air balloons:  Goal -- to create a hot air balloon that lifts the most weight

• Build fuel platforms
  • Connect two bamboo skewers.
  • Cut a square of aluminum at least 1 inch bigger than the hole on the plywood form
  • Pound the aluminum into a cup, using the form, the insert, and a hammer
  • Punch holes in the rim of your aluminum cup.
  • Wire your aluminum cup to the bamboo skewers, using as little wire as possible.  The cup should stay level
• Create your balloon envelope
  • Use sharpies to draw your shape and the creases on the wall. 
    • Use one color for the outline. 
    • Use another for the creases.
    • On the inside of the outline, number the edges.  Give the same number to pairs of edges that need to match up.
    • On the inside, clearly label the plastic with your names.
  • Cut out your shape, using scissors.  Leave at least 5 inches of extra material outside your outline.
  • Seal/cut the edges together, using the shrinkwrap machine
    • Hold the arm down firmly.  Watch the light; as soon as it turns off, "tear" the plastic free from the machine side of the arm. Then release the arm. ***Small holes (less than 1 inch) are okay.  Don't get obsessed with patching little holes.  If you patch a lot of holes, you will ruin your balloon.
• Attach your fuel platform to the balloon
  • Make sure that the balloon hole is big enough to shape into a square whose corners match the ends of the bamboo skewers.  If the hole isn't big enough, enlarge it.
  • Use clear tape to securely tape your skewers to the balloon, using as little tape as possible.
• Carefully prepare your balloon for storage. 
  • Write your names on every part, using a sharpie
  • Starting from the top of the balloon, squeeze out the air.  Then roll up the plastic.
  • Give your materials to Mr. Stapleton