Sky Diver

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Students design and build their own parachutes in this hands-on engineering project. Using the engineering design process, kids explore the concepts of gravity and air resistance as they test how their parachutes fall to the ground. Kids are encouraged to experiment with multiple materials and designs to make parachutes with the softest landing possible.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Simulation
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 10 inch squares of lightweight plastic (like clear bags from the grocery store)
  • 10 inch squares of heavyweight plastic (like thick trash bags)
  • 10 inch squares of tissue paper
  • 10 inch squares of notebook or copier paper
  • 8 inch pieces of string or thread (4 per parachute)
  • scissors
  • clear tape
  • large paper clips

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
      • Newton's Laws
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • WGBH

Source Collection

  • Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman

Rights:

  • , WGBH Educational Foundation, 2010

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0840307
  • Public television viewers
  • Chuck E. Cheese's