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Custom Inflatable Stage Prop Proven to Raise Earth Science Test Scores

Inflatable Grand Canyon Visiting SchoolTeacher Uses Inflatable Stage Prop to Excite Students & Raise Test Scores

Talk about visual aids! One teacher, who saw students struggling with earth science, decided to make her lessons more hands-on.

After hiring Landmark Creations to develop their custom inflatable, Laurie Henry and her teaching partner began traveling across the state of Texas to bring highly interactive assemblies to school gyms using a 40-foot-wide canyon model.

 The inflatable stage prop displays layers of earth and rock, and sits on a tarp that represents the land and ocean. A fabric waterfall demonstrates how water flows from a river out to the ocean. A tunnel on one side includes an airbrushed fossil record, an oil deposit and a fault line.

"During our science program, students waft the river as the waterfall weathers and students erode the sediments down the river to the ocean to form a delta. The Big Canyon Balloon model is fantastic for teaching earth science to students in grades K-8th grade," explains Laurie.

"The most impressive achievement I have made with the Big Canyon Balloon was when a young boy ran up to me after my class and said, ‘I didn't get this until you taught me with your model!’ Students love learning in this interactive bigger than ‘WOW’ way. Teachers are amazed that I can teach their entire earth science unit in an hour.  Data supports that my program raises test scores.  My inflatable doesn't help my business. My inflatable IS my business!"

After having one bad (and costly) experience with another inflatables company, Laurie needed someone she could depend on. That's when she found Landmark Creations online.

"I liked the way Tom listened and shared his ideas with me so that I could use the canyon like I needed. Tom hit a home run with my model. His input made all the difference in the world. I am currently planning a new model and can't wait for Tom to create it!"

We're just as excited as Laurie is about helping students succeed.


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What Others Say About Landmark Creations


"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked.  We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes

“The likeness to our company mascot was amazing. We used the balloon at the Winn Dixie Home & Garden show ... and we have had rave reviews.”

- Christy Bernard, Tony Chachere’s

"Our giant peach is brand new to us and will help us gain name recognition in our community at health fairs, county fairs, farm markets, school events and almost any event we take it to."

- Greg Stone, Peach Tree Healthcare

"Just wanted to say how much we LOVE our inflatables.  We tested them in our lobby where they were, of course, an instant hit for school group photos. Our leadership was quite pleased with the durability and the realism."

- Mike Hennessy, Carnegie Science Center

"Since they were purchased, these Sonic areas have attracted a great deal of attention when using the cup at the store or at special events in the community. [...] You have been excellent to do business with, always letting us know about any special deals and shipping the items quickly so we can start putting them to work. I appreciate your attention to our group of Sonics and for handling your business in a very professional manner, always delivering any information I need when making a decision. Here is a special thanks, with a "cherry on top."

- Mason-Harrison, Jarrard Enterprises

"The speed of production was remarkable. We now have eight Hot Stuff balloons that will travel all over the USA to invite people to try our great-tasting pizza."

- B. Eble, Hot Stuff Foods