This week in Science, we took our learning to new heights, literally! We explored the effects of air resistance by designing and testing our own parachutes, which we dropped from the classroom window into the courtyard below.
After learning how air resistance can slow objects down, we discussed real life examples such as parachutists, birds and planes, and how they use this force to their advantage. We then worked in teams to create parachutes of different sizes and shapes, predicting how each design might behave as it fell.
Although our parachutes had varying levels of success, we were able to spot a clear trend in our results. We noticed that the bigger the parachute, the slower it fell. This helped us understand that a larger surface area increases air resistance, meaning the object takes longer to reach the ground.
To help ensure a fair test, all parachutes were dropped by Miss Forster Adams from the same height. One member of each group timed the fall, and we later recorded and compared our results. However, we also encountered some real life challenges! A few parachutes were blown off course by the wind and became caught in the canopy, which highlights questions about the variables we can and can’t control in outdoor experiments.
What would you change about your parachute design to make it fall more slowly, and why?
i really enjoyed this topic.I loved making parachutes with all my friends and learning about air resistance
This was a blast! I loved creating the parachutes with my group! I would make them bigger to fall slower.
I think this thing was amazing! I loved working with my group and testing the parachutes! THANKS!
I really enjoyed it I loved making them with my group and designing the logos.Thank you to all the teachers who helped
I loved doing this activity! It also helped with teamwork instead of just science! But i would change the shape of the parachute to help it drop down easier.
I loved this investigation because it was so fun.Next time we could make one parachute so we could focus on making it really good not be in a rush.
Loved it & it was really fun!
We would get more stronger materials for the parachute.
it was really fun and i wish we could try and make ours better.Thank you miss Forster Adams and Miss RobertsonšŖ
i really enjoyed this topic.I loved making parachutes with all my friends and learning about air resistance!!!
that looks soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo FUN!!!!!
This STEM activity was so fun! Even though most of our parachutes got stuck on the canopy, making them and designing logos made up for it.
I would make our parachute better by attaching heavier weights to it so that it wouldn’t blow away so easily.