Sikeston teachers will use 'balloon' for geography class

SIKESTON, Mo. -- In a few days students and teachers at Sikeston Middle School will have a chance to see the world.

They'll discover why seashells are found on Himalayan mountaintops, why the earth's crust is cracked and why Icelanders swim outdoors in winter.

The rare opportunity is being made possible by a creation called Earth Balloon where entire classes enter the world through a zippered doorway.

Students find out it really is a small world when they enter the 20-foot, hand-painted inflatable globe being brought here by WhereAbouts Inc. of Highland Park, Ill. The balloon is described by those who've seen it firsthand as awe-inspiring, both inside and outside.

The Earth Balloon will enable students to experience geography in a 3-D setting, explained Dr. Larry Bohannon, assistant superintendent of secondary education and staff development for Sikeston Public Schools.

"It is highly motivating; geography will come alive," he said.