Air Flotation – Basic 2 Basic Science Lesson Note (Third Term)

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:

• mention objects that float in air
• identify the characteristics of objects that can float in air
• construct/make things (kites, blown balloons etc.) that float or fly in air

Lesson Content:

Air Flotation:

What is Air Flotation? Air flotation is when objects can stay up in the air or move through the air without falling immediately to the ground.

Objects That Float in Air:

Natural Objects:

• Birds: Use wings to fly and glide

• Insects: Bees, butterflies, flies

• Seeds: Dandelion seeds, maple seeds with “wings”
• Leaves: Light leaves blown by wind
• Feathers: Very light, carried by air currents

Man-Made Objects:

• Balloons: Filled with air or helium gas

• Kites: Designed to catch wind

• Paper airplanes: Folded to glide through air
• Bubbles: Soap bubbles float in air
• Airplanes: Heavy but designed to fly

Characteristics of Objects That Float in Air:

1. Light Weight:

• Very light materials: Paper, feathers, leaves
• Less dense than air: Helium balloons
• Hollow inside: Some objects are empty inside

2. Large Surface Area:

• Wide wings: Birds, airplanes have big wings
• Flat surfaces: Kites, leaves have flat areas to catch wind

3. Special Shape:

• Streamlined: Smooth shape cuts through air easily
• Wing shape: Curved on top, flat on bottom

Making Things That Float in Air:

Project 1: Simple Kite Materials: Paper, sticks, string, tail (cloth strips) Steps:

1. Make diamond shape with sticks
2. Cover with paper
3. Attach string for flying
4. Add tail for stability
5. Run with kite to catch wind

Project 2: Paper Airplane Materials: One sheet of paper Steps:

1. Fold paper in half lengthwise
2. Fold top corners to center line
3. Fold wings down to match
4. Make sure wings are even
5. Throw gently forward

Project 3: Balloon Helicopter Materials: Balloon, straw, tape Steps:

1. Tape straw to balloon
2. Blow up balloon but don’t tie
3. Let go – balloon spins and flies
4. Air escaping makes it move