One Hour Innovation Activity

1

Let’s Design a

Parachute

Lesson Objectives ALL students will be able to design a parachute. MOST students will be able to list the forces working on the

parachute. SOME students will be able to determine which type of

material works best by testing different options.

What do you need? tissue paper napkins construction paper newspaper paper towels string tape weights (such as

washers)

This activity introduces innovation to primary students in a simple way and allows them to create their own parachutes.It also summarizes the following information:

The two factors that act on parachutes are gravity and air resistance, which is also called drag.

Gravity acts as a force to pull parachutes down to the surface of the Earth, while air resistance generates movement in the opposite direction of the falling parachute, and essentially pushes the parachute upward.

Recommended Grade: Grade 4.

One Hour Innovation Activity

2

Procedure

Step 1:

Cut a shape (circle or other shape) from the chosen material. Make a hole in the center of the shape.

Step 2:

Cut six pieces of equal length string and tape them atequal distances around the edge of the shape.

Step 3:Tape the other ends of the string to a weight.

Step 4: Testing the parachute

Test the parachute. Go outside and drop it from a specific height to see if it flies slowly and lands gently. Record your observations. Repeat the process, modifying the variables of canopy material and shape. Record your observations.Lead a class discussion to compare results and draw conclusions.Assign students to recap their findings as a written journal entry that documents their design details and results, and answers the investigating questions.

One Hour Innovation Activity

3

Investigating Questions:

What type of paper is the best material to make a parachute? Why?

What materials did not work well? Why? What changes could you make to improve your design?

For more information

https://www.teachengineering.org/view_activity.php?url=collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_design_a_parachute/design_a_parachute.xml

Extension tasks:

Students can continue to investigate at home. They can try parachutes with different sizes, shapes and without holes in the top.