Provided by: NASA |Published on: February 10, 2026
Lesson Plans
45678
Synopsis
In this lesson from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, students will learn how scientists use advantageous wind patterns in the South Pole for launching balloon-based missions.
Students will chart these wind patterns and low- and high-pressure systems, graph the estimated projection of NASA’s ASTHROS launch, and demonstrate their understanding of pressure differences.
Students will enjoy the balloon demonstration, and this familiar object will help them connect new learning to their pre-existing background knowledge.
The worksheet uses a variety of images to assist students with understanding the questions.
Prerequisites
Younger students may need teachers to explain clockwise vs. counter-clockwise.
Differentiation & Implementation
Younger students may benefit from going through the worksheet as a class, possibly using a think-pair-share strategy for each question.
Early finishers can take time to look at the ASTHROS mission page.
Teachers can use this lesson to discuss how climate change may impact wind patterns and how wind patterns are important for understanding the best ways to harness wind energy.
Scientist Notes
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Resource Type and Format
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