Parachute STEM Activity: Build & Explore Gravity

Wed, Aug 13, 2025 By: I'm The Chef Too Team

Introduction
The Science Behind the Descent: Gravity, Drag, and Air Resistance
Why a Parachute STEM Activity? The Educational Benefits
Getting Started: Materials You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your First Parachute
The Experiment Begins: Testing Your Parachute
Unleash Your Inner Engineer: Iterative Design & Variables to Explore
Real-World Parachute Engineering
Safety First in Your STEM Kitchen
Beyond the Basics: Extending the Parachute Fun
Conclusion

Have you ever watched a feather drift slowly to the ground compared to a dropped rock? Or perhaps marveled at skydivers descending gracefully from the sky, their colorful canopies blossoming open against the vast blue? This simple observation, the difference in how objects fall, holds the key to understanding some truly fascinating principles of science, technology, engineering, and math – all bundled neatly into the exciting world of a parachute. It's not just about things dropping; it's about the invisible forces at play, the brilliant engineering that overcomes them, and the joy of discovery.

At I'm the Chef Too!, we believe that the most powerful learning happens when kids are fully immersed in an experience – touching, tasting, and creating. Our mission is to blend food, STEM, and the arts into one-of-a-kind "edutainment" adventures. What better way to explore fundamental physics concepts than by designing and testing your very own parachute? This engaging, hands-on activity isn't just a fun way to spend an afternoon; it's a dynamic lesson in aerodynamics, gravity, and the engineering design process. We're committed to sparking curiosity and creativity in children, facilitating precious family bonding time, and providing a truly screen-free educational alternative that's as delicious as it is informative. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the science behind parachutes, walk you through making your own, and show you how this simple project unlocks a world of STEM learning for your child.

Introduction

Imagine dropping two identical paperclips from the same height. They'd hit the ground at roughly the same time. Now, imagine one paperclip still being a paperclip, but the other is attached to a large, lightweight sheet of tissue paper. Drop them both again. What happens? The paperclip with the tissue paper drifts down slowly, seemingly defying gravity, while the lone paperclip plummets. This captivating difference is the magic of the parachute at work, and it's a fantastic entry point into the world of STEM for curious young minds.

This blog post is your ultimate guide to making a parachute STEM activity with your children. We’ll break down the core scientific principles that make parachutes fly, explore the incredible educational benefits of this hands-on project, provide a step-by-step guide to building your own, and offer exciting ways to experiment and extend the learning. Get ready to transform everyday materials into a thrilling scientific experiment right in your living room or backyard, fostering a love for discovery and critical thinking, one gentle landing at a time.

The Science Behind the Descent: Gravity, Drag, and Air Resistance

Before we start cutting and taping, let’s explore the amazing science that makes a parachute work. This isn't just about dropping things; it's about understanding the unseen forces that shape our world.

At its core, a parachute works because of two main forces:

Gravity: This is the force that pulls everything towards the center of the Earth. When you drop an object, gravity is constantly pulling it downwards, causing it to speed up. Without anything to slow it down, an object would keep accelerating until it hit the ground with potentially damaging force.
Air Resistance (or Drag): This is the force that opposes the motion of an object through the air. Think about sticking your hand out of a car window – you feel the air pushing against it. That's air resistance! For a parachute, the large canopy catches a lot of air. As the parachute tries to fall, the air pushes up against its large surface area, creating a significant drag force that pushes back against gravity, slowing the descent.

When an object falls, it initially accelerates due to gravity. As its speed increases, the air resistance also increases. Eventually, the upward force of air resistance becomes equal to the downward force of gravity. At this point, the object stops accelerating and falls at a constant speed, which we call its terminal velocity. The whole goal of a parachute is to increase the air resistance so dramatically that the terminal velocity is very low, allowing for a slow, safe, and soft landing.

Imagine a tiny bug falling compared to a person. The bug has a small mass and a relatively large surface area for its weight, so air resistance quickly balances gravity, and it floats gently down. A person, much heavier, would fall very fast without a parachute because their weight far outweighs the air resistance their body alone can generate. A parachute significantly increases their surface area, creating enough drag to slow them down to a safe landing speed.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for kids as they design their parachutes. They'll intuitively grasp how a larger canopy means more air resistance and a slower fall. This hands-on understanding of physics is far more impactful than just reading about it in a textbook. It’s exactly the kind of tangible, experiential learning that we champion at I'm the Chef Too!, where complex subjects are made accessible and exciting.

Why a Parachute STEM Activity? The Educational Benefits

Beyond the sheer fun of watching something you made float gently to the ground, a parachute STEM activity is packed with incredible educational benefits for children of all ages. This isn't just a time-filler; it's a powerful learning tool.

Hands-on Learning

Children learn best by doing. A parachute activity provides a tangible experience of scientific principles. They’re not just memorizing definitions of gravity or air resistance; they are actively observing these forces in action. They feel the materials, cut the shapes, tie the knots, and witness the direct results of their design choices. This kind of active engagement deepens understanding and makes abstract concepts concrete.

Developing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Designing a successful parachute isn't a one-and-done process. It involves a lot of trial and error. Kids will quickly learn that their first design might not work perfectly. They’ll have to observe why it didn’t work, identify potential issues (Is it too small? Is the material too heavy? Are the strings tangled?), and then brainstorm solutions. This iterative process of designing, testing, analyzing, and redesigning is at the heart of engineering and fosters crucial problem-solving skills that extend far beyond this one activity. This process mirrors the real-world challenges faced by engineers every day, from designing spacecraft to creating safer vehicles.

Understanding the Scientific Method

This activity is a mini-masterclass in the scientific method. Children will:

Ask a Question: "What makes a parachute fall slowly?" or "Which material will work best?"
Form a Hypothesis: "I think a bigger parachute will fall slower."
Experiment: Build and test their parachute.
Observe and Collect Data: Watch how it falls, measure drop times, note what worked and what didn't.
Analyze Results: Compare different designs and materials.
Draw Conclusions: Determine which design elements were most effective.
Communicate Findings: Share their observations and conclusions.

This structured approach teaches them how to approach problems systematically, a skill invaluable in all areas of life and learning.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

There’s no single "right" way to build a parachute. Children are encouraged to experiment with different materials, shapes, and sizes. This freedom sparks their imagination and encourages them to think outside the box. They might come up with surprising solutions or discover unexpected properties of materials. This creative exploration is key to developing innovative thinkers. Just like our Galaxy Donut Kit allows kids to combine edible art with astronomy, the parachute activity encourages creative problem-solving and unique expression.

Building Math Skills

Measurement is an integral part of making a parachute. Kids will use rulers to cut specific sizes, measure string lengths, and potentially calculate areas (especially for older children) if they want to get more technical. They can also practice recording data, comparing times (using a stopwatch), and even graphing results to visualize how different variables affect drop time. These practical applications make math relevant and engaging, demonstrating that math isn't just about numbers on a page but a powerful tool for understanding the world.

Encouraging Family Bonding

Working on a STEM project together is a wonderful way to connect as a family. Parents and children can collaborate, share ideas, troubleshoot problems, and celebrate successes. These shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds, moving beyond screens and into a world of shared discovery. At I'm the Chef Too!, we craft all our experiences to facilitate this precious family bonding, turning learning into a shared adventure.

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Getting Started: Materials You'll Need

One of the best things about making a parachute is that you likely have most of the materials lying around your house! This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly activity.

Here's a list of common materials you can use. Remember, part of the STEM challenge is to experiment with different options to see what works best!

For the Parachute Canopy:
- Plastic grocery bags (lightweight, durable, often free!)
- Tissue paper (very light, but can tear easily)
- Paper towels (absorbent, medium weight)
- Napkins (similar to paper towels, often available)
- Construction paper (heavier, stiffer, might not create enough drag)
- Newspaper (inexpensive, but can be heavy)
- Thin fabric scraps (e.g., old pillowcase, lightweight nylon)
- Cellophane or thin plastic sheeting (like from a food container)
For the Suspension Lines (Strings):
- String (kitchen twine, yarn, craft string)
- Sewing thread (might be too thin for heavier payloads)
- Dental floss (strong and thin)
- Ribbon (can add a decorative touch!)
For the Payload (What the parachute carries):
- Washers (easy to add/remove for weight variations)
- Small plastic toys (LEGO minifigures, small action figures)
- Paperclips
- Small erasers
- Unsharpened pencils
- Plastic or paper cups (for holding multiple small items or as a direct payload)
- Marshmallows or a small piece of fruit (for a "soft landing" challenge!)
Tools:
- Scissors
- Tape (scotch tape, masking tape, duct tape)
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Hole puncher (optional, for making clean holes for string)
- Stopwatch (for measuring drop times and comparing results)
- Science journal or notebook and pencils (for recording observations and designs)

The beauty of this activity, much like our versatile cooking STEM kits, is that it encourages using what you have and adapting. Don't feel pressured to buy special materials. Part of the engineering challenge is making the most of readily available resources!

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your First Parachute

Let's get down to building! This is a simple design to get started, and then we'll talk about all the ways you can experiment and improve it.

Before you begin, have a discussion with your child. Ask them: "What do you think a parachute needs to do its job?" "What shape do you think would be best?" Let them brainstorm and even sketch their ideas in a notebook. This initial design thinking is a crucial part of the engineering process.

1. Choosing Your Canopy Material

For your first attempt, a plastic grocery bag or a large square of tissue paper works wonderfully. They are lightweight and readily available. If using a plastic bag, cut off the handles and the bottom seam so you have a large, open rectangle or square.

2. Cutting and Shaping the Canopy

The most common shape for a simple parachute is a circle or a square, as they are easy to cut and provide a good surface area.

For a square: Lay your chosen material flat and use a ruler to cut a large square. A size of about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) per side is a good starting point.
For a circle: If you want to try a circle, you can fold your square material in half diagonally, then in half again to form a smaller triangle. Round off the wide edge to create a quarter circle, then unfold. Or, you can find a large circular object (like a dinner plate or a round tray) to trace. A diameter of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) is generally a good size.

Pro Tip for younger kids: Don't worry too much about perfect measurements or shapes for the first try. The goal is to get something functional and then iterate!

3. Attaching the Suspension Lines

These are the strings that connect the canopy to your payload. The number of strings can vary, but four or six evenly spaced strings work well.

Mark attachment points: If you cut a square, mark each corner. If you cut a circle, try to evenly space 4 or 6 points around the edge.
Make holes (optional but recommended): Use a hole puncher to make small holes at your marked points. This helps prevent tearing, especially with paper materials. If you don't have a hole puncher, you can reinforce the corners with a small piece of tape before attaching the string, or simply tape the strings directly to the canopy.
Cut strings: Cut 4 or 6 pieces of string, each about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) long. Consistency in length is important for an even descent.
Attach strings to canopy: Tie one end of each string through a hole (or securely tape it to the reinforced corner).

4. Selecting Your Payload

Choose a lightweight "payload" for your parachute. A plastic toy soldier, a washer, a paperclip, or even a small unsharpened pencil are good options. For younger kids, a plastic cup taped directly to the strings can be an easy way to hold multiple small items. Ensure your payload doesn't have sharp edges that could tear the parachute or pose a safety risk during drops.

5. Putting It All Together

Gather all the free ends of your suspension lines. Carefully tie or tape them securely to your chosen payload. Make sure the strings aren't tangled and that the payload hangs evenly. You want the canopy to spread out easily when dropped.

And just like that, you've made your first prototype! This first step is exciting because it brings the idea to life. Remember, this is just the beginning of your engineering adventure.

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The Experiment Begins: Testing Your Parachute

Building the parachute is only half the fun – now comes the exciting part: testing it! This is where observations are made, data is gathered, and the scientific method truly comes alive.

1. Finding the Perfect Drop Zone

For initial tests, choose an indoor location with some height and clear space, like near a staircase, a balcony, or even just standing on a sturdy chair (with adult supervision, of course!). A consistent drop height is crucial for fair comparisons between different parachute designs. If you have an outdoor space with little wind, that works too, just ensure the area is clear of people and obstacles.

Safety Note: Always ensure an adult is supervising, especially when dropping objects from elevated surfaces. Never allow anyone to stand directly under the drop zone or attempt to catch a falling parachute. Clear the landing area.

2. Observation and Data Collection

This is where your child becomes a scientist and an engineer!

The First Drop: Hold your parachute by the payload, let the canopy gather, and then gently release it from your chosen height. Watch it closely!
Key Questions to Ask:
- How did it fall? (Did it flutter? Spin? Plunge straight down?)
- How long did it take to reach the ground? (Use a stopwatch to measure the drop time!)
- Did it land softly?
- Did the canopy open fully?
- What seemed to work well? What didn't?
Record Your Observations: Encourage your child to jot down their observations in a "science journal" or notebook. This doesn't have to be formal; even simple drawings or a few words are great. For older kids, create a simple table to record:
- Parachute Material
- Canopy Shape & Size
- Payload Weight
- Drop Time (in seconds)
- Observations (e.g., "opened quickly," "spun a lot," "fell too fast")

3. Making a Journal/Log

A science journal is an invaluable tool for this activity. It helps children organize their thoughts, track their experiments, and see their progress.

What to include:
- Date of experiment
- Drawing of each parachute design
- Materials used for each part (canopy, strings, payload)
- Hypothesis (what they think will happen)
- Measurements (canopy size, string length, payload weight)
- Drop height
- Drop time
- Detailed observations (how it fell, if it opened, if it tilted)
- Ideas for improvement
- Conclusions

By documenting their journey, children learn the importance of meticulous record-keeping in scientific inquiry. This fosters a systematic approach to experimentation, much like the careful measurements and precise instructions found in our unique cooking STEM kits, ensuring both a delicious outcome and a deep dive into learning.

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Unleash Your Inner Engineer: Iterative Design & Variables to Explore

The real magic of a STEM activity happens in the iteration. Rarely does an engineer get it perfect on the first try! Encourage your child to think like an engineer: analyze the results of the first drop, identify areas for improvement, and then modify their design. This iterative process is crucial for deep learning and developing problem-solving skills.

Here are various "variables" you can change to see how they affect your parachute's performance:

1. Experimenting with Canopy Material

Recall your initial drop. If your tissue paper parachute floated too slowly but ripped easily, or your construction paper parachute plummeted too fast, it's time to try a different material.

Hypothesis: Which material do you think will work best for a slow, steady fall?
Test:
- Try thin plastic from a grocery bag: It's durable, lightweight, and catches a lot of air.
- Compare it to newspaper: Is it heavier? Does it create more or less drag?
- What about lightweight fabric? Does it hold its shape differently?
Observe: Record how each material performs, noting its durability, how well it opens, and its drop time. You might find that plastic bags provide a good balance of air resistance and strength, while materials like cotton or nylon, as used in real parachutes, offer superior strength and flexibility.

2. Exploring Different Shapes

While circles and squares are common, what about other shapes?

Hypothesis: Does the shape of the canopy matter? Will a triangle fall differently than a hexagon?
Test:
- Cut out different shapes: triangle, rectangle, hexagon, octagon. Keep the surface area roughly similar to your control parachute for a more accurate comparison.
- Attach strings evenly to the corners or edges of each new shape.
Observe: How does each shape fall? Does one spin more? Does another open more reliably? You might notice that certain shapes like circles tend to open and fall more consistently because air flows around them smoothly. However, other shapes can be surprisingly effective and stable under certain conditions.

3. Varying Parachute Size and Surface Area

This is often the most impactful variable.

Hypothesis: How does the size of the parachute affect how fast it falls? Do you think a larger parachute will fall faster or slower?
Test:
- Make parachutes of the same material and shape, but with different sizes (e.g., 12-inch, 18-inch, 24-inch square or diameter).
- Keep the payload weight and string length consistent.
- Measure the area of each parachute (for squares, side x side; for circles, πr² – a great math connection for older kids!).
Observe: You should see a clear correlation: generally, the larger the surface area, the more air resistance it creates, and the slower the fall. This is a direct, observable demonstration of how surface area impacts drag.

4. Changing the Payload Weight

The weight carried by the parachute also plays a big role.

Hypothesis: What happens if the parachute carries something heavier or lighter?
Test:
- Use the same parachute design.
- Test it with different payload weights (e.g., one washer, two washers, a small toy, a heavier toy).
- You could even try challenging them to safely land an egg (without breaking it!) using only their parachute and no padding – a real engineering challenge!
Observe: A heavier payload generally increases the terminal velocity, meaning it will fall faster, even with the same parachute. This is because gravity is pulling it down with more force, and the air resistance from the fixed parachute size might not be enough to slow it down as much. This demonstrates the relationship between mass, gravity, and drag.

5. The Mystery of the Hole: Vents and Stability

Some real parachutes have a hole or vent at the top. Why?

Hypothesis: What do you think would happen if we put a hole in the middle of our parachute? Will it fall faster or slower?
Test:
- Take one of your successful parachutes and carefully cut a small hole (e.g., 1-2 inches in diameter) in the very center of the canopy.
- Test it against an identical parachute without a hole.
- Try different sized holes.
Observe: Surprisingly, a small hole can sometimes make a parachute more stable and fall more consistently, even if it falls a tiny bit faster. This is because the hole allows some air to escape, reducing oscillations and preventing the parachute from swinging wildly. It's a neat engineering trick for stability!

6. Testing Different Drop Heights

While keeping drop height consistent for comparisons, you can also explore how different heights affect the experience.

Hypothesis: Does dropping from higher up make a difference, beyond just a longer fall time?
Test:
- Drop the same parachute from various heights (e.g., from a chair, then a staircase, then a second-story window – with strict adult supervision and safety precautions!).
Observe: At very low heights, the parachute might not have enough time to fully open. From higher up, you can more clearly observe the parachute reaching its terminal velocity and having a stable, controlled descent. This reinforces the idea of air resistance building up over time.

By systematically varying one element at a time and observing the results, children learn the core principles of experimental design. This methodical approach is invaluable in all scientific and engineering pursuits, equipping them with skills that transcend this activity. And for families who love to explore diverse topics, our kits cover everything from the chemistry of Erupting Volcano Cakes to the art of baking with characters like in our Peppa Pig Muddy Puddle Cookie Pies – each a unique blend of fun and learning.

Real-World Parachute Engineering

The concepts kids explore with their homemade parachutes are the very same ones real engineers use to design life-saving equipment and incredible spacecraft.

Think about skydiving parachutes. These aren't just big sheets of fabric; they are meticulously designed instruments. Engineers consider the precise shape (many modern parachutes are rectangular "ram-air" designs, more like wings than umbrellas, allowing for steering), the materials (strong, lightweight nylons), the vent systems, and the folding techniques to ensure reliable deployment and a controlled descent. The lives of skydivers depend on this precise engineering!

Then there's NASA and space exploration. Landing spacecraft and rovers on other planets, especially Mars, is incredibly challenging due to its thin atmosphere. NASA has developed colossal parachutes, like those used in the Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) project, which were the largest ever deployed, designed to slow massive payloads traveling at supersonic speeds. These parachutes must withstand extreme forces and temperatures. The iterative testing process that your child is doing on a small scale is exactly what NASA engineers do, albeit with much larger budgets and stakes! They test, gather data, analyze failures, and refine designs over and over again until they achieve an optimal solution.

Discussing these real-world applications with your child helps them connect their playtime experiments to impressive feats of human ingenuity. It shows them that the science and engineering principles they are learning are not just classroom concepts but are essential for solving complex challenges and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. It’s a powerful way to spark a lifelong interest in STEM fields.

Safety First in Your STEM Kitchen

While making and testing parachutes is a fantastic activity, safety should always be your top priority. As mothers and educators, we know that creating a safe environment is the foundation for effective learning.

Here are some important safety considerations:

Adult Supervision is Key: Never leave children unsupervised during this activity, especially when cutting materials or dropping objects from heights.
Safe Drop Zones:
- Choose a clear area, indoors or outdoors, free from people, pets, or fragile objects.
- If dropping from elevated surfaces (stairs, chairs, balconies, or even second stories), ensure the surface is stable and supervise closely. Small children should not climb without assistance.
- Do not drop heavy or sharp objects that could cause injury or damage if they fall unexpectedly.
- Instruct children not to attempt to catch falling parachutes, as this could lead to accidents.
Cutting Tools: Supervise children closely when using scissors. For very young children, pre-cut materials or use child-safe scissors.
Material Selection: Ensure all materials are non-toxic and do not pose a choking hazard for younger children. Be mindful of potential allergens if using fabrics or other unusual materials.
Wind Conditions: If testing outdoors, choose a calm day. High winds can carry parachutes far away, making data collection difficult and potentially leading to lost projects or unexpected landings.
Clean-Up: After the fun, ensure all materials are properly stored or disposed of to prevent clutter and hazards.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure a fun, safe, and incredibly educational experience for everyone involved.

Beyond the Basics: Extending the Parachute Fun

Once your child has mastered the basic parachute design and experimented with the core variables, there are many ways to extend the learning and creativity even further.

Parachute Competition: Organize a friendly family competition!
- Slowest Fall Challenge: Who can design a parachute that takes the longest to reach the ground?
- Accuracy Landing: Can you land your payload precisely on a target (e.g., a marked spot on the floor)? This adds an element of aim and precision.
- Most Gentle Landing: Can you design a parachute to safely land a delicate payload, like a raw egg or a marshmallow, without damage? This brings in concepts of impact force and cushioning.
Artistic Flair: Combine science with art! Encourage your child to decorate their parachute canopies with markers, paints, or stickers. They can create a theme for their payload, like a superhero or an astronaut, and design a matching parachute. This is where the "arts" in STEM really shine!
Math in Action - Graphing Data: For older children, take the collected data (material, size, drop time) and create simple bar graphs or line plots. This visual representation helps them clearly see the relationships between variables and draw more robust conclusions. You can graph "parachute size vs. drop time" or "material type vs. drop time."
Research Real-World Parachutes: Dive deeper into how parachutes are used in real life. Beyond skydiving and spacecraft, where else are they employed? (e.g., emergency flares, cargo drops, braking systems for race cars, even some advanced birdseed feeders!). Look up videos of actual parachute deployments, like those used by NASA, to see the engineering in action.
Create a "Rescue Mission": Design a scenario where the parachute is part of a rescue mission. Perhaps a toy needs to be safely delivered from a high shelf to the floor, or a "supplies drop" is needed for a remote outpost. This adds a storytelling element to the STEM challenge.
Explore Different String Attachment Methods: Instead of just taping or tying, experiment with how the strings are attached. What if they are very long? Very short? What if you use a harness for the payload instead of just taping it? This introduces concepts of load distribution and stability.

The possibilities are endless, and each extension offers a new layer of learning and engagement. At I'm the Chef Too!, we are dedicated to providing these rich, multi-faceted experiences, blending science, technology, engineering, arts, and math into every kit.

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Conclusion

Making a parachute is far more than just a simple craft activity; it's a dynamic, hands-on journey into the captivating world of STEM. Through this engaging project, children don't just build a toy; they actively explore fundamental scientific principles like gravity, air resistance, and drag. They apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they design, test, and refine their creations, experiencing firsthand the iterative nature of the engineering design process. They learn to make observations, collect data, and draw conclusions – the very essence of the scientific method.

This activity fosters creativity, builds essential math skills through measurement and data analysis, and creates invaluable opportunities for family bonding and screen-free fun. It’s a powerful demonstration of how everyday materials can unlock profound learning experiences, sparking curiosity that can lead to a lifelong passion for discovery and innovation.

At I'm the Chef Too!, our unique blend of food, STEM, and the arts is designed to bring these kinds of enriching, memorable learning moments right into your home. We are passionate about making complex subjects accessible and exciting, turning every kitchen into a laboratory and every recipe into an adventure. Give the gift of learning that lasts all year and more. Ready for a new adventure every month? Don't miss out on the incredible educational experiences waiting for your child. Join The Chef's Club today and let the "edutainment" begin!

FAQ

Q1: What is the best material to make a parachute? A1: The "best" material depends on your goal! For a slow, gentle fall and good air resistance, lightweight plastics (like grocery bags) or thin nylon fabric are often excellent. Tissue paper is very light but can tear easily. Construction paper or newspaper might be too heavy, causing the parachute to fall too fast. The fun is in experimenting to find what works for your specific design and payload!

Q2: How does a parachute slow down a falling object? A2: A parachute slows down a falling object by creating a large amount of air resistance, also known as drag. As the parachute falls through the air, its large surface area pushes against a lot of air molecules. This push creates an upward force that counteracts the downward pull of gravity. The larger the parachute's surface area, the greater the air resistance, and the slower the object will fall.

Q3: What STEM concepts does a parachute activity teach? A3: A parachute STEM activity teaches a wide range of concepts, including:

Science: Gravity, air resistance (drag), terminal velocity, force, motion, materials science.
Technology: Understanding how simple technologies are designed to solve problems.
Engineering: Design thinking, prototyping, iterative design process, problem-solving, testing, optimization.
Math: Measurement (length, area), data collection, graphing, comparison, basic geometry (shapes). It also fosters critical thinking, creativity, observation skills, and scientific inquiry.

Q4: How can I make the parachute fall slower? A4: To make your parachute fall slower, you generally want to increase the air resistance it creates. Here are some ways:

Increase the canopy size: A larger surface area will catch more air.
Use lighter materials: A lighter parachute will have a lower overall weight, allowing the air resistance to have a greater effect.
Decrease the payload weight: A lighter payload means less gravitational pull for the parachute to counteract.
Ensure the canopy opens fully: Design your strings and folds so the canopy deploys quickly and widely.

Q5: Why do some parachutes have holes in them? A5: While it might seem counterintuitive, some real-world parachutes have a small hole or vent in the center of the canopy. This hole helps to release some of the trapped air, which can actually make the parachute more stable and prevent it from swinging or oscillating wildly during descent. While it might cause a very slight increase in speed, the gain in stability is often more beneficial, especially for large, precise landings. You can experiment with this in your own designs!

Q6: What age group is this activity best suited for? A6: This activity is highly adaptable for various age groups!

Preschool/Kindergarten: Focus on basic concepts like "fast" and "slow," experimenting with different materials, and simple cutting and taping (with adult help).
Elementary School (Grades 1-5): Introduce concepts like air resistance, test different shapes and sizes, use a stopwatch to compare times, and record simple observations.
Middle School (Grades 6-8): Dive deeper into measuring surface area, calculating averages of drop times, designing controlled experiments, graphing results, and discussing real-world applications like terminal velocity and engineering design. At I'm the Chef Too!, our kits are designed to be engaging for a wide range of ages, often with layers of learning that grow with your child. If you're looking for more STEM experiences tailored to different ages and interests, Browse our complete collection of one-time kits.