Aviation
Spaceflight
Astronomy
Behind the scenes
People
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Balloons first floated people up into the sky in 1783 in France. They were one of the first ways humans took to the skies.

Balloon Print from Kendall Collection
Aviation
Spaceflight
Astronomy
Behind the scenes
People
Records and Firsts
Science
Society and Culture
Technology and Engineering
War and Conflict

Balloons first floated people up into the sky in 1783 in France. They were one of the first ways humans took to the skies.

Balloon Print from Kendall Collection

Stories

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Balloon Expert Reacts to the Bridgerton Runaway Balloon Scene Rockoons: Rocket and Balloon Experiments
AirSpace Season 9, Episode 2: Tiny Jumper A Polka-Dotted Sky AirSpace Season 8, Episode 5: Don't Rain on My Parade
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Events

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Learn more Story Time: Sally’s Great Balloon Adventure National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC Thursdays in March 2025 at 11:00 am Learn more Story Time: Sally’s Great Balloon Adventure National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC Thursdays in March 2025 at 11:00 am Learn more Story Time: Sally’s Great Balloon Adventure National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC Thursdays in March 2025 at 11:00 am
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Exhibitions

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Learn more Clouds in a Bag Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA Learn more Thomas W. Haas We All Fly National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
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Learning Resources

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Flights of Fancy Story Time Field Trip Pre and Post Visit Materials - Wright Brothers - Spanish A mix of activities from experiments to writing activities. Expand learning on concepts connected to the Wright Brothers and Early Flight. These activities connect to standards of learning. https://s.si.edu/WrightBrothersPreandPostVisitMaterials_es_us Grade K, Grade 1, Grade 2 Aircraft, Balloons, Aviation, Early flight, People, Records and Firsts

Teacher

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 Flights of Fancy Story Time: "The Incredible Balloon Flight to Dizzying Heights" National Air and Space Museum. Museum educator Ann Caspari will read the original story The Incredible Balloon Flight to Dizzying Heights. https://youtu.be/BcekIlHC-C4 Grade PK, Grade K, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3 Balloons, People, Science

Student

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 STEM in 30: A Sky Full of Color: Live from the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Join STEM in 30 as we explore the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and bring you the history of balloons, the science behind hot-air and gas balloons, and the pageantry of the Fiesta. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuk51Ne-b3Y Grade 7, Grade 6, Grade 8 Balloons

Student

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 What’s New in Aerospace: Nation Wide Balloon Launch Update Teacher Trevor MacDuff, students Audrey and Jack, and KMBC9 Meteorologist Neville Miller discuss their balloon launch and what students can learn from a launch. https://youtu.be/QAXpxif3Jdc Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12, Grades 13-14, Grades 15-16, Grades 17-20 Balloons, Physical science

Student

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 Air and Space Live Chat: Master Hot Air Balloon Pilot Bill Costen They may seem low-tech but balloons are important to aviation and space. This live chat features pioneering Black hot air balloon pilot Bill Costen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1860PeSUzKM African American or Black people, Balloons

Student

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 Air and Space Live Chat: Student Balloon Launch: Medium Altitude Balloons Along with the help of teachers from across the country, the Museum launched medium altitude balloons that could potentially travel around the globe. Learn more about these balloons here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WC4nxlrZ2Y Balloons

Teacher

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Publications

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Learn more The Eagle Aloft: Two Centuries of the Balloon in America Learn more Lighter Than Air: An Illustrated History of Balloons and Airships
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