Sky Diver
Source Institutions
-
WGBH
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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.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 6 - 11
- Activity, Simulation
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
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
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
- Gravity
- Newton's Laws
- Motion and Forces
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- The Design Process
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
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:
- 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
