Launch a near-space balloon

What can we use instead of the foam or lightweight container if we can't find it?

If craft foam is hard to find, use a sturdy foam board or a small cardboard box reinforced with tape as the lightweight container when you cut and shape the snug box for your equipment.

What should we do if the camera or GPS tracker won't power up during the 'turn on the camera and the GPS tracker' step?

If the camera or GPS tracker won't power up, check that fresh batteries or a charged battery pack are installed, confirm the devices are seated correctly inside the foam box, and test the power switches before you close and tape the box.

How can we change the activity for younger kids or make it more challenging for teens?

For younger children, let them decorate the foam box and add soft padding while an adult handles helium filling and knot-tying, and for older kids, have them weigh the payload on the small digital scale, record the payload mass, and help track the GPS signal during flight under supervision.

How can we extend or personalize the near-space balloon project after we recover the payload?

To enhance the project, add a lightweight sensor like a temperature logger inside the foam box, mount a second camera for a different angle, personalize the parachute with paint or fabric, and create a flight log comparing the recorded payload mass from the digital scale with the recovered flight data to share on DIY.org.