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Earth Awareness Portable Classroom

From the interior of the Earth Awareness Portable Classroom, the earth can be seen in its entirety for the first time. Continents are viewed in their true relationship to one another on the earth, not distorted as flat map projections show them.

Coverage Area:

Iowa and the immediate Quad Cities region.

Requirements:

Indoor use only
30' X 30' clean floor space
22' ceiling clearance
one electrical outlet
Students walk around the exterior of the Earth Balloon. Photo
courtesy
of the
Muscatine
Journal

Student raises her hand in front of the Earth Balloon.
Photo courtesy of
The Des Moines Register
The Earth Awareness Portable Classroom is an inflatable, color, scale model of the globe. This hand-painted balloon was made by one person and took 500 hours to complete. It is 22 feet in diameter, which offers a unique perspective to those who step inside. The scale of the balloon is one inch equals thirty miles. Foundation staff present short informational programs focusing on geography and the environment. Presentations focus on physical aspects of each continent as well as reinforcing general map skills.

Cost:
The foundation offers this resource FREE of charge.

However, mileage, lodging, and incidental expenses for foundation staff may be requested depending on the distance from Muscatine, Iowa, and the circumstances of the presentation.

Presentation area:

The inside of the balloon is similar to an echo chamber. Therefore, any noise outside the balloon seems even louder inside. For this reason, no other activity can take place in the area where the balloon is being used.

Care of the balloon:

Shoes must be removed before entering. No punching, kicking, or touching the balloon is allowed.

Summer month presentations:

Due to the fact that it becomes warmer inside the balloon, the space used must be kept cool. Warm gymnasiums on hot summer days do not work!

Presentation site is responsible for moving the equipment from vehicle to the space where it will be set up, and back to vehicle afterward. The equipment consists of two parts: a duffel bag weighing approximately 70 pounds and a carrying case weighing about 25 pounds. Foundation staff must accompany the Earth Balloon; an assistant from the presentation site may be requested.

To find out more about the Earth Awareness Portable Classroom or to schedule it for your organization contact:

Lonnie Buchanan
The Stanley Foundation
209 Iowa Avenue • Muscatine, Iowa 52761
563-264-1500 • Fax 563-264-0864 •
lbuchanan@stanleyfoundation.org

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The Earth Awareness Portable Classroom
The Earth Awareness Portable Classroom

Contact Us
The Stanley Foundation
209 Iowa Avenue
Muscatine, Iowa 52761
563-264-1500 · 563-264-0864 fax
info@stanleyfoundation.org

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