This format enables comparisons of different ideas/theories/actors etc.

1. 5 theories/ideas etc are put into a hot air balloon. However, there is only room for 1 otherwise the balloon will crash
2. Come up with a central idea to test the different theories/ideas. For example, take a case study and the goal is to decide which theory best explains the case.
3. In groups each team is given one of the ideas/theories and they have to come up with arguments as to why they should stay in the balloon ie. Why they best explain the case
4. In turn each group presents why they are the best. The other teams have a chance to ask questions and to critique them
5. At the end there is a blind vote for which theory best explains the case and should stay in the balloon and which should be thrown out.