A parachute is a simple apparatus that can be used to slow down the motion of an object in the air by creating drag and aerodynamic lift. Parachutes come in all shapes and sizes. They can be used to lift people, equipment, military supplies, or food off the ground. Likewise, parachutes can be used to transfer smaller objects from place to place, including weather equipment, cameras, or small toys. They are normally made of very light but strong cloth such as nylon material and must slow an object’s vertical speed by at least 75% in order to function effectively and be properly classified as a parachute.

Tools Needed To Make A Simple Parachute:

1 large plastic bag
1 small, lightweight object
1 black marker
String
Scissors
Ruler
Tape
Protractor

Step 1

Choose a section on the plastic bag near its center to draw a large circle. Use the ruler to measure lines that are of equal length from the middle of the circle. Connect the two points of the ends of the lines to create a reference for the circle.

Step 2

Draw a large circle on the plastic bag using the reference points. Use the scissors to cut a large hole out of the plastic bag.

Step 3

Divide the circle into 6 equal parts by using the protractor to break up the sections. Each angle should measure approximately 60 degrees.

Step 4

Use the scissors to cut out small holes at the ends of each line that separates each section. You should have six holes once finished.

Step 5

Cut the string into 6 equal parts using the scissors. Each piece of string should measure about 3 times the length of the circle’s radius, or the distance from the circle’s center and the edge.

Step 6

Use the tape to secure the 6 strings to each of the 6 holes.

Step 7

Tie the loose ends of the string to the object you want to transport with the parachute.

Step 8

Hold the finished parachute by the top, hold it up and let it fall to the ground. Drop the parachute from higher positions to test the flight of your object.

Tips

• Make your circle as accurate as possible. The more accurate your circle is, the better your parachute will perform.
• Instead of tying the loose ends of the string to the object itself, you can optionally tie them to a smaller basket so you can place or object inside it.
• Experiment by changing the size or weight of the object or by creating slits or holes in the parachute to make it fall faster and improve the overall balance.
• Use clear tape for a more aesthetically pleasing parachute.

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