Ages 6-12 | 30-60 mins | Design Challenge
Test out different homemade parachutes to figure out which one could be used to make a successful air drop.
Your goal is to create a parachute that allows supplies to land slowly and softly onto the ground so the cargo is not damaged and the (imaginary) people on the ground don't get hurt.
Pick out the materials you want to use.
Draw your parachute design, or make a list of what you want to be sure to build.
Hint: Look at real examples of parachutes for inspiration.
Use your drawing or list as a guide.
You decide how long the strings should be.
Find high place where you can drop your parachute safely.
Hint: If there isn't one nearby, create height by using a step stool. Make sure you have a grown up with you if you are using a step stool.
Use a stopwatch to track how long for the parachute to hit the ground.
Hint: A successful airdrop will take time to land on the ground, so you want your parachute to catch more air and move slowly to the ground.
What happened when you dropped your parachute?
Did your parachute move slow enough or did it land too fast?
Do you think your cargo was safe?
What changes would you want to make to your design to change the results?
A parachute catches air and creates drag, which slows down the descent of the supplies from the airplane to the ground. This allows the supplies to land softly.
Examples of cargo are medical supplies, food, water ... even people.
Age:6-12
Grade: K-8
30-60 mins
You are free to use this resource for personal and educational purposes, with attribution. (CC BY-NC)
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.
Ages 6+ | 20-30 min | Experiment | Screen Free
Design and launch a model rocket.
Learners of all ages can learn more about how rockets work with these fun and easy models.
Ages 6+ | 5-10 min | Craft
Make a model of a parachute.