how to make a simple parachute

How to Make a Simple Parachute.

Parachutes are a great way to learn about gravity and air resistance. They are also a great way to pass the time, especially once you begin to experiment with different weights and sizes. If you already know how to make a simple parachute, why not try a larger, more advanced one instead?

1. Get a napkin or cut a square out of a plastic bag. If you are going to use a napkin, choose a large, dinner-sized one. A paper towel could also work.

2. Cover each corner with a piece of tape. Flip the napkin over, and cover the back of each corner as well. This will make the corners nice and strong for the next step.

3. Punch a hole into each corner with a hole puncher. Make sure that you are only punching through the taped area, otherwise the napkin will rip.

If you don't have a hole puncher, cut a small slit into each corner instead.

4. Cut four pieces of string. Each piece needs to be the same length as your square. For example, if your square was 8 inches (20 centimeters) on each side, then your strings should be 8 inches (20 centimeters) long.

5. Thread and tie the strings through the holes. Take your first string and poke the end up through a hole. Bring the end down, and tie it to the rest of the string. Do this for the other strings and corners.

6. Thread the strings through a button. Find a button that has four holes in it. Feed the other end of each string through each hole. Tie the strings together into one big knot under the button.

You can also tie the strings to a paperclip, a charm, or a small washer.

If you have a small toy, like a Lego or plastic soldier, tie two strings together on each side to make loops.

7. Toss the parachute. Hold the parachute by the button, then toss it upwards. If you are allowed to, climb up onto a table or chair, and try again! This will give the parachute even more time to float down!

If you made loops for a small toy, slip the loops under the toy's arms first.

Things You'll Need.

Large napkin or plastic bag.

Tape.

Scissors.

String.

Hole puncher (recommended).

Button, paperclip, charm, etc.

Tips

Make sure that the parachute doesn't have any rips or tears in it.

Color or camouflage the parachute to match your cargo!

Experiment with dropping the parachute from different heights.

The higher you are when you drop, the better the parachute will work. Drop it slowly; don't throw it downward.

You can cut your parachute into other shapes, like octagons or pentagons, but you will need more strings (one for each corner).

If the parachute won't fall straight, poke a small hole in the middle. This will cause the air to pass through it rather than off to the side.

If the parachute fell too fast, the item was probably too heavy. Try using something smaller. If you can't find a smaller item, make a bigger parachute.

Warnings.

Always make sure that there isn't anyone standing in the landing zone underneath the parachute.