Coriolis Effect Balloon Lab

The Coriolis Effect is a very challenging scientific concept to understand, and it is hard for kids to wrap their brains around it when it's so far removed from their classroom and lives. This hands-on lab activity allows students to model the Coriolis Effect - feel and see it happen right before their eyes. Students use balloons as the Earth and draw the winds as the balloon earths spin on their axis. They can see the Coriolis Effect happen and see the directions that the winds blow on both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. The materials required are minimal: balloons and permanent markers. A globe would be helpful, but not necessary. This is a hands-on, exciting and engaging way to make a difficult concept understandable. The lab report includes explicit directions and follow-up questions. The activity and lab report are aligned to 7th-grade essential science standards.