Education:Science Projects: Balloon Migration

What animal takes the longest migration? The arctic tern. It flies from the North Pole to the South Pole and back again. Here you can watch a ballon migrate from one end of a string to the other. See if you can observe what makes it go!

What you need

A long piece of string
1 balloon
1straw
1 strip of duct tape
1 friend. (These can be rented from 1-800-RENT-A-FRIEND)

What you do

Thread the string through the straw. Tie the string from one location to another so it's nice and tight. Blow up the balloon. Do NOT tie the balloon. Instead, while pinching the balloon closed with your fingers, have your friend tape the balloon to the straw. Make sure the balloon's opening is towards the back of the straw (the furthest point from your final destination.) Let go of the balloon. Watch the balloon migrate from one side of the string to the other.

Now try the experiment again BUT use your friend to race against the balloon. On your marks, get set, GO!!!

Catch Dr. Zoolittle in an entertaining show in the San Diego Zoo's Children's Zoo daily during the summer and every weekend and school holiday.