Lesson 1: Blimps

Did you know that the same concept that makes a helium balloon float in the air can be used to transport people from place to place? Blimps were invented a long time ago and fascinated people when they first took to the skies. How can something so big float in the sky and carry people?

In this lesson, we will learn how blimps and hot air balloons use light gases to stay afloat. We will get familiar with the parts of a blimp and the things that impact the air buoyancy of airships.

Lesson Keywords 

Blimp: is a type of air craft lighter-than-air

Density: used to describe how much space an object or substance takes up (its volume) in relation to the amount of matter in that object or substance

Envelope of the blimp: the large bag that holds the helium gas

Gondola: the part of the blimp that holds passengers and crew

Flight control surfaces: responsible for changing the airflow and pressure distribution over and around the airfoil

Engines of the blimp: provides the thrust that makes the blimp move