Hot Air Balloons (Rookie Read-About Science: How Things Work)
Rookie read-about science Series
What’s inside...
For hundreds of years, humans dreamed of soaring through the skies like birds. Then the invention of the hot air balloon brought us closer than ever before. Most incredible of all: This amazing invention requires just a bit of hot air to send it floating among the clouds. This book shows you how.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the hot air balloons go up in the sky?
Can you describe how you would feel if you were riding in a hot air balloon?
What did you find most interesting about how hot air balloons work?
How do you think hot air balloons are different from other ways of traveling?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child’s curiosity by exploring how hot air balloons compare to other forms of transportation they know. Use descriptive language from the book to help visualize the experience of flying. Relate the science of hot air balloons to simple concepts like rising steam from a pot. Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about what they’ve learned. Most importantly, enjoy the shared adventure of learning together through discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The book explores the mechanics and science behind how hot air balloons work, sparking curiosity about physics and engineering.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore how other everyday objects work, promoting a lifelong love for science and discovery.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Understanding the complex science of hot air balloons can be challenging, embodying the importance of persistence in learning.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of persisting through difficult tasks at school or in new hobbies, reinforcing the idea that effort leads to success.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Operating a hot air balloon safely requires precise teamwork and communication.
Real-World Application: Emphasizes the importance of working well with others and can be applied in group projects at school or in collaborative games.
Example Lesson: Safety Awareness
Explanation: The book discusses the necessary precautions for flying hot air balloons, highlighting the importance of safety measures.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of responsibility and the need for following safety rules during physical activities or experiments.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: Hot air ballooning provides an opportunity to observe and appreciate the natural landscape from a unique perspective.
Real-World Application: Encourages outdoor activities and nurtures an appreciation for the environment and conservation efforts.