Students at Northport Public School this Friday will have the unique chance to learn about the science behind a hot air balloon and how it works.
Through the RE/MAX of Michigan school balloon program, a balloon pilot visits schools like Northport to share either an indoor or outdoor science presentation, along with an outdoor inflation demonstration. This is the first time the district will participate in the event.
“I want the students to take away the investment the community is putting into the school and see alumni come back to invest in the school’s enrichment,” said Nav Dhami, a Northport 2018 alumnus and RE/ MAX Bayshore real estate agent who will be helping facilitate the event. “... I just want them (the kids) to have a good time.”
The program consists of two parts, with the first being the tether. During a tether, the balloon is unpacked outside, inflated, and lofted in the air, but will not rise off the ground. Depending on weather conditions (such as rain or strong winds), an indoor walk could be substituted and brought into a gymnasium or multipurpose room large enough to accommodate the balloon demonstration.
A large cold air fan is used indoors to partially inflate the balloon while still having it lay on the ground, which also allows students to go inside it and walk around. After the tether or balloon walk, the pilot will then give a presentation of the history and science of hot air balloons.
RE/MAX realtors and the balloon pilot will have time after the event to take further questions about piloting the massive balloon, and its history of making a statement and grabbing the attention of people since 1978.
