Grade 5 through Grade 8 balloon STEM program for schools in New Mexico. Students build 5-foot tissue paper balloons, then our volunteers visit to teach the science of lighter-than-air flight and launch the balloons together.
Paper Takes Flight is a hands-on Grade 5 STEM enrichment program from The Balloon Explorium. Students build five-foot tissue paper balloons and then participate in a school visit focused on the science of lighter-than-air flight.
The program introduces concepts such as buoyancy, heated air, engineering design, observation, teamwork, and problem-solving through a memorable ballooning experience.
We work primarily with schools in New Mexico and may also serve adjacent states depending on availability. On your assigned fly day, The Balloon Explorium volunteers come to your school to share information about lighter-than-air flight and fly the tissue paper balloons on your field or large play area.
Your students will glue the five-foot tissue paper balloons together beforehand. All materials are provided, based on one balloon per four students. Building time is typically 60 to 90 minutes.
Volunteers can be available to train teachers at your school. If you need training, please contact us ahead of time before you begin building balloons with students.
Our volunteers will come to your school to launch the tissue paper balloons at a date and time convenient to you between November 15 and January 31. Flying time is generally about one hour.
As with all ballooning, this activity is weather dependent. If we need to reschedule due to wind or wet weather, we will contact you to arrange a new fly day.
Students experience science by seeing how heated air creates lift and how lighter-than-air flight works. The program supports hands-on learning in physics, observation, experimentation, and simple engineering concepts.
Because students work together in small groups, the program also encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while making science exciting and memorable.
When applications open August 15, 2026, submit your request using our application form. If you have questions, need teacher training, or want to confirm eligibility for your location, please reach out.
Apply for the Paper Takes Flight program Ask a question about the program
We provide materials for one balloon per four students.
Ballooning is weather dependent. If wind or wet weather prevents flying, we will contact you to reschedule a new fly day.
Yes. Volunteers can train teachers at your school. Please contact us ahead of time before students begin building.
We work primarily in New Mexico and may also serve adjacent states depending on availability.
