In conjunction with their curriculum, fifth grade students at Prairie Queen Elementary designed parade balloons for the Thanksgiving Day parade route. Students were challenged to design a balloon that is entertaining as well as a device to keep their balloon afloat across their identified parade route. In order to qualify and be deemed “safe for the crowd,” balloons must be 3-4 feet off the ground and stay upright and in the air. Students also created a script for parade commentators.
This enrichment activity supports both the fifth grade writing unit (narrative) and math unit (geometry), with additional STEAM elements as well as problem-solving and teamwork. Students filmed their balloon creations in front of a green screen, which was made into a final video featuring all 5th grade balloons along the parade route.