Flying High Project

Andrew is a commercial hot air balloon pilot who works in Europe for half a year and runs a charity-based education program here for the other half.

The Project brings together education providers, businesses and the government to research and promote sustainable innovation and STEAMM learning. Their educational program aligns with the NZ curriculum and they involve over 2000 Year 5-9 students to focus on finding practical and innovative sustainability solutions for themselves and their communities. STEAMM Education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Mathematics and Mātauranga Māori as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

Students in SAS (the Serious About Science year 7-9 option class) took part in the education program and were rewarded with a visit from a real hot air balloon and an opportunity to have a tethered hot air balloon ride. Sadly due to windy conditions, only 5 students were able to get up, however, it was a great experience all the same and exciting for those that got to go up. Fingers crossed for another visit in a year or two.