May 13, 2006

Register by April 7, 2006

Tobin James Cellars Map
Paso Robles, CA

Pictures

Registration & Discussion Forum

Planned Experiments ,
How to Participate,
Schedule of events,
To-Do List, Purchase List
Addresses & Maps

How to launch Balloons

Experiment Log Form

Plans for a Line Winder (pdf)

Two Station Theodolite:
Procedure Form Program

Check out last year's
Balloon Fest - 2005

Planning the Experiment

Use our website to learn more about the atmosphere and to design exciting experiments:

Atmospheric Research Website

Student Worksheets (pdf)
Measurement Terms (pdf)
Instrument Validation Assnmt (pdf)
Sensor Characteristics (pdf)

Instrument Validation Reports: (pdf)
GPS, Laser Rangefinder,
Tripod-Theodolites: #1 & #2,
Handheld-Theodolites: #1 & #2

Tips on designing
Suggested Experiments
Tips on Planning
Tips on Analysis
Deliverables

Examples from 2005:
Experiment Design, Procedure, Log, Presentation, & Formal Lab Report

Reports & Presentations

Team Reports

Suggestions from the Presentation Judge

How fast does a balloon with a broken tether, rise?

At what altitude will a balloon burst?

Ideas for Additional Research

How accurately can we measure altitude with a barometer?

Which of the Atmospheric models for pressure & temperature does our data best fit?

Can we use the size of a known object on an aerial photo to calculate the altitude?

Suggested Experiments

How much lift is needed?

How much is the barometer pressure reading affected by the dynamic pressure of the wind?

Should the thermometer be shaded?