Almost 400 third graders from Hazel Dell, Promise Road and Noble Crossing elementary schools sent inspirational messages, names of loved ones, and hopes for the future into space today as part of a high-altitude aerospace balloon launch partnership with Noblesville High School.
Students will be tracking how closely the balloon’s performance matches their classroom predictions by studying its temperature, pressure, humidity, ascent, speed, spin rate and route online. The balloon is expected to ascend almost 100,000 feet into the atmosphere and ultimately land somewhere near Dayton, Ohio.
The launch aligns with science standards the third graders are currently studying, including weather and flight, and was led by Noblesville High School aerospace teacher and STEM coordinator Andy Wilkins.
All Noblesville Schools third graders are participating in a weather balloon launch study this school year thanks to a $4,400 project grant from the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation.
Thanks to satellite and internet technology, launch data will be reported in real time so that students, teachers, parents, friends, hobbyists and others can join in the learning experience. Click here to follow the balloon or view results.