Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Launches "Education Connection" to Inspire Young Minds

September 16, 2024

New initiative engages New Mexico educators and students in the science of ballooning during the 52nd annual event, featuring interactive activities and educational resources

Albuquerque, NM – The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is pleased to announce the “Education Connection,” a new feature this year designed to involve and educate New Mexico teachers and students of all ages about the science and art of ballooning. This is a terrific way to get students engaged and excited about learning during one the biggest events of the year.

This year’s content area for educators is Science and the featured theme is Lifting Gases. An article by that name can be found in the Official Balloon Fiesta program for teachers and students to reference. Students on the launch field can visit the Balloon Discovery Center and participate in a variety of interactive activities, some of which will coincide with the science content area. Admission to the Balloon Discovery Center is free to Balloon Fiesta guests. More information on the Balloon Discovery Center can be found here, https://balloonfiesta.com/Balloon-Discovery-Center.

The nearby Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum also features exhibits related to the science of balloon flight, including a brand-new interpretive wall outlining the main types of lifting gases and their applications in lighter-than-air ships of all varieties. Buoyancy is the theme of the Museum’s STEAM Night on Thursday evening of Balloon Fiesta, October 10. Visitors will get to explore the principles of buoyancy and lifting gases through hands-on projects and activities. Discovery-based learning about innovation and lighter-than-air flight is an ongoing theme throughout the year at the Balloon Museum as the main focus of field trip and activities programs.

New Mexico educators are encouraged to join in the common conversation with their students, and to tag the Balloon Fiesta in their lessons, curriculum or field trip to the Balloon Fiesta.

The 52^nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil, will launch from Balloon Fiesta Park on October 5-13, 2024. For more information about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, visit https://balloonfiesta.com/.

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil is a festival of hot air balloons that takes place in October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.

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