Seventh graders at Polk County Middle School recently learned about the science that explains why hot air balloons fly. Dr. Robert Pettis, seventh-grade science teacher, received two grants to fund this activity. A $750 grant from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and a $300 grant from the Polk County Community Foundation’s Middle School fund were used to purchase materials to build and launch paper hot air balloons. The final balloon launched was caught in an up-draft and ascended approximately 800 feet and was carried up and over Little White Oak Mountain. Dr. Pettis said he plans to make this an annual activity. Above: Mr. Claussen, Sheila Rodriguez, Litzy Sanchez-Roman and Erica Ramirez. Below: Gabe O’Brien, Dr. Pettis, Troy Lieberman and Carl Collins. (photos submitted by Dr. Robert Pettis)