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In this activity, learners explore how parachutes are used to slow down moving objects. Learners work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own parachutes out of everyday items. They test their parachutes, evaluate their results, and present to the group.
- Under 5 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Student Resource Sheets
- Student Worksheets
- Meterstick
- Small ladder (for educator use only)
- Roll of string
- Plastic trash bag
- Plastic shopping bag
- Several sheets of copy paper
- Coffee filters
- Newspaper
- Aluminum foil
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- Metal washer (3 cm diameter)
- Ruler
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
-
Technology
- Transportation
-
Engineering
-
Mathematics
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
-
Data Analysis and Probability
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Gravity
- Momentum and Velocity
- Newton's Laws
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
Science and Society
- Risks and Benefits
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
- Science as a Career
-
Science and Society
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Transportation
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, IEEE,