Students will construct a simple parachute to understand the principles of gravity and air resistance. By observing how the parachute falls, they will learn how these forces interact.
If I drop a homemade parachute, then it will fall slowly due to increased air resistance compared to a free-falling object.
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Cut a square piece from a plastic bag for the parachute canopy.
Cut four equal lengths of string.
Tape each string to a corner of the plastic square.
Tie the other ends of the strings to the small weight.
Hold the parachute by the canopy and let it drop.
Observe how the parachute falls compared to a similar weight without a parachute.
Measure the time it takes to reach the ground.
Try different canopy sizes and measure the effects.
Record observations and time for each drop.
Draw conclusions on how air resistance affects falling speed.
The parachute will descend more slowly than a free-falling object, demonstrating how air resistance works against gravity to slow down the fall.
Canopy size
Descent time
String length, Weight of washer, Release height
Ensure the drop zone is clear of obstacles and people.
Use a stopwatch to show precise timing.
Create a chart comparing different canopy sizes.
Explain the concept of air resistance with everyday examples.
A parachute increases air resistance, slowing down the descent and allowing for a softer landing.
Without air resistance, objects would fall at the same rate regardless of size or shape.
Yes, larger parachutes can catch more air, increasing resistance and slowing descent.
