A coffee filter with a string attached, tied to a paper clip.

Ages 6+ | 5-10 min | Craft | Screen Free

Make a model of a parachute.

What You'll  Need: 

  • One round coffee filter or tissue paper cut into a circle
  • 2-3" piece of string or yarn
  • Tape

1. Flatten the coffee filter.

Smooth it our as much as you can. 

2. Take a 2-3" string to the center. 

 

A piece of string taped to the center of a coffee filter.

3. Add a paperclip at the end of the string. 

This can represent a person or spacecraft using a parachute, or a seed a dandelion is carrying. 

4. Drop it gently. 

Hold it up and away from your body. When you drop it the canopy will open. 

If your canopy collapses or doesn't float well: 

  • Curl the edges of the filter up, shaping it like a cup
  • Attach tape to two opposite places on the edge of the filter, like a counterweight. 
A coffee filter with a string taped to the center and a paperclip tied to the end.

We want to hear from you!

Optional

Air and Space Connection

3 Videos
  • A single dandelion seed floating away from a dandelion.
    Download Image
    View full size image

    Plants use the wind to move pollen, spores, and seeds. This allows for more plants and trees to grow and spread. 

    A dandelion seed has a fuzzy top (called a pappus) that makes a special air bubble above it, helping the seed stay in the air for a long time.

  • Apollo 15 Splashdown

    01:30 duration

    Parachutes can help slow down spacecraft returning to Earth. 

    When Apollo 15 splashed down, one of its parachutes didn't open. It's landing was faster than expected. 

  • Tiny Broadwick's Parachute

    01:30 duration

    People use parachutes to jump out of aircraft, both as an emergency exit and a a trick. 

    The parachutes help slow their landing. 

About This Learning Resource

Age and Grade

Age: 6+

Grade: K-5

Subject and Topics

Physical Science
Engineering

Aviation

Duration

10-15 mins

Usage Rights

You are free to use this resource for personal and educational purposes, with attribution. (CC BY-NC)

A young man shows off his eclipse viewing mask, created by adding a paper plate to eclipse glasses.

Soar Together

Soar Together offers family days at the National Air and Space Museum's two locations, as well as activities like this one for families to do anywhere.

Soar Together is made possible by the generous support of the Northrop Grumman Foundation.

More About Soar Together

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