Solar Bag at Steve Spangler Science

We guarantee you have never seen a Solar Bag like this! Our Solar Bag measures 15 meters (50 ft) long and 74 cm (29 in) in diameter. The thin, black plastic bag holds over 60 cubic meters (200 cubic ft) of air. Simply fill with air by running, tie off the ends, and let the solar energy of the sun heat the air inside the bag. Within minutes, the bag rises to the sky and floats like a giant science tube. Better tie it down or you'll be flying as well! Includes a complete science activity guide. Recommended for children ages 8 and up.

What's included?

15 meter (50 ft) long Solar Bag
Activity guide with student worksheets

NOTE : Solar Bag String NOT included

How does it work?

After rolling out the bag and tying one of the ends, you have to run around and fill the bag with air. Once it is full, tie the other end so that air can’t escape and watch the power of the sun at work! The solar energy will heat up the air inside the bag causing the molecules to move around and bump into all sides of the solar bag and make it rise! This is a perfect experiment to learn about the properties of air, buoyancy and convection. It's amazing science at work!

What does it teach?

Learn about the properties of air and air pressure. Discover the science behind density and buoyancy and how they are affected by heat.

Product FAQ

How much weight will it lift off the ground?
The solar bag is not intended to lift any weight while it rises.

How high can it float?
The sky’s the limit on this one. We have let a solar bag or two go and its been observed by satellites at over 120,000 feet in the air!! This is the main reason that it is best to have some string attached so that you can inflate it, watch it float, and bring it back in order to use it time and time again.

Does it have to be a hot day?
The best environment for the solar bag activity is to have the sun shining with a cool temperature. You want the air inside of the bag to be able to heat up from where it originally was so that it can rise.

Great product

Angela Wall Goldsboro, NC - December 10, 2009

This user gave 3/5 stars

I used one of these last year and students loved it. You do have to be careful just as the included directions specific. Also, for younger kids, I would recommend cutting the bag into several smaller bags that are easier for them to handle. It works just as well - just not quite as dramatic as the full length. I am ordering some more of them right now!

Bags shipped torn

Labcoat Lexie Durango, CO - November 16, 2009

This user gave 1/5 stars

I would not recommend this product. The bags were torn when I removed them from the box, thus unable to be used for our science summer camp. I imagine they tear easily, and this situation probably could not have been avoided-- but it was a bummer to have spent so much on each one to find them unusable from the start.

** Labcoat Lexie... Love the name by the way... Our customer service team will be contacting you shortly to replace your Solar Bag at no cost... Sorry for the problems. The bags are very thin, so they will fly easily. We suggest that people wear cotton gloves or remove rings and watches when using the bags. Let's us know what you think after the replacement comes and your Solar Bags are airborne. Again sorry for the inconvenience. ** - Steve Spangler Science Web Team

FRAGILE

Rebecca Phoenix, AZ - September 26, 2009

This user gave 5/5 stars

I had planned on using the solar bag with my 6th grade science classes. It only lasted through 1 period before getting holes in it. It was pretty disappointing. This bag is VERY easy to break, I wouldn't suggest having your students fill the bag. Also try to perform the experiment on grass so if it does fall it wont rip.

Not so great product

Janou Farrell Tulsa OK - August 20, 2009

This user gave 1/5 stars

Used this product one time. had planned to use it for several classes. The plastic is so thin that it tore on our first run. The film needs to be thin to work but does not stand up to use by second graders, even when being careful.