The Invention of the Hot Air Balloon

Mrs. Palmer narrates the story of the Montgolfier brothers, Joseph and Etienne, who invented the hot air balloon. Joseph's curiosity and experiments led to the creation of a flying machine. The brothers conducted a public demonstration and later presented their invention to King Louis XVI. Their successful flight with animals marked a significant achievement in aviation history.

What sparked Joseph Montgolfier's interest in science and inventions?

• His curiosity about how things work

• His school teacher's encouragement

• His father's influence

• His brother's interest in science

What did Joseph observe that led him to think about the lifting properties of hot air?

• Bits of paper rising in the fireplace

• Smoke from a chimney

• Kites staying aloft

• Birds flying in the sky

What material did Joseph use to cover the sides of his initial small model?

• Taffeta

• Linen

• Silk

• Cotton

How did Etienne react to Joseph's initial experiment with the small model?

• He was skeptical and uninterested

• He was amazed and decided to help

• He ignored it completely

• He criticized Joseph's idea

What did the Montgolfier brothers call their large hot air balloon?

• Aerostat

• Airship

• Skycraft

• Balloon

What did the Montgolfier brothers burn to get the fire roaring for their first public demonstration?

• Leaves and branches

• Wood and paper

• Old shoes and wool

• Coal and straw

Who did the Montgolfier brothers decide to send aloft in their balloon for the demonstration in front of the King?

• A goat and a duck

• A rooster and a rabbit

• Two birds and a sheep

• A cat and a dog

What happened to the aerostat during the rainstorm before the King's demonstration?

• The designs peeled off and it got damaged

• It caught fire

• It was destroyed completely

• It flew away

How did the Montgolfier brothers repair the aerostat after the rainstorm?

• They restored it in just four days

• They built a new one from scratch

• They used a different material

• They asked for help from the King

What was the outcome of the demonstration in front of King Louis XVI?

• The King was unimpressed

• The balloon failed to lift

• The animals were injured

• The balloon soared successfully and gained fame