Tissue Paper Parachute

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In this activity, learners make a parachute out of tissue paper, tape, and string. Then, learners test their parachute to see how many paper clips it can carry. Next, learners design a parachute that can safely carry an egg to the ground or invent a device that can launch their parachute!

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 11
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Cellophane or tissue paper
  • String
  • Masking tape
  • Paper clips
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Hole punch
  • egg
  • a high place to throw the parachutes
  • If using eggs, a tarp for broken eggs

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Science Museum of Minnesota, 1995

Funding Sources:

  • Unisys
  • Science Learning Network
  • National Science Foundation