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Apache Skies:

Mastering Parachute Design & Engineering

A 5th grade STEM lesson

Author:

Jeniffer Guevarra- Madrid

Date:

December 22, 2023

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Notes for teachers

Context: This lesson can be completed in a 2-hour period class (2 days)

Groupings: Students can work in small groups of 3-4.

Targeted Output: Planning, Building Testing, and Improving Parachute

Expectations: Parachute with longer time of flight under constraints

Coffee Filter
Plastic bag (ziplock)
Paper Napkin
string
Small cup/basket
washer (or egg to make it more fun!)

List of Materials:

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Arizona Science Standards

5.P3U2.5

Define problems and design solutions pertaining to force and motion.

MS-ETS1 Engineering Design

MS-ETS1-1

DEFINE the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

Science Standards:

Engineering (NGSS)

Science and Engineering Practices:

ask questions and define problems
develop and use models
plan and carry out investigations
analyze and interpret data
use mathematical and computational thinking
construct explanations and design solutions
engage in argument from evidence
obtain, evaluate and communicate information

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Objective(s):

Students will:

ENGAGE in an engineering design challenge to create and test their own parachutes.
APPLY their knowledge of measurement, data analysis, and material science as they design, build, test, and improve their parachutes.

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Agenda (lesson time)

Day 1:

Time: 60 mins

Introduction to Parachutes, Air Resistance, and cultural relevance (15 mins)
Challenge Explanation (10 mins)
Research and Planning (20 mins)
Parachute Construction (15 mins)

Day 2:

Time: 60 mins

Parachute Construction (15 mins) - continue
Testing and Data Collection (20 mins)
Improvement and Redesign (15 mins)
Reflection and Sharing (10mins)

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

What makes a parachute work effectively?

How can we design a parachute that falls slowly and steadily?

What materials do you think would make the best parachute?

How does the size or shape of parachute affect its performance?

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What is a Parachute?

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Parachute

A large piece of fabric attached to a person or an object that helps them slow down when they fall from a height. It works by catching the air and creating resistance, which slows down the fall and allows for a safer landing.

In the military, parachutes are used for airborne operations. They allow soldiers to jump from aircraft at high altitudes and safely land behind enemy lines or in specific tactical locations. Military parachutes are specially designed for various purposes, such as cargo drops, troop insertion, or rescue missions.

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Day 1:

Hands-on Activity Instructions

In group of 3-4, design and build a parachute that can safely land an egg and falls slowly and steadily.

Challenge explanation (10 mins)
What does the parachute look like?
What shapes/structures are included?
What are the different parts? How are the parts connected?

B. Research and Planning (20 mins)

Research for different parachute designs and decide on one design as a team.
Incorporate ideas from each team member’s design
Remember to include labels and list of materials. (review the material constraints)

C. Parachute Construction (15 mins)

Construct the parachute based on your design
Collaborate and communicate effectively during the construction process.

Constraints:

Can only use ONE canopy material
Canopy diameter may not exceed 25 centimeters
10 pieces of string: you measure and cut into 15 cm lengths
One washer/egg
Time is limited

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Day 2:

Hands-on Activity Instructions

C. Parachute Construction (15 mins)

D. Testing and Data Collection (20 Mins)

Test parachutes by dropping them from a 3 meters height.
Collect data on the time it takes for the parachute to reach the ground.
Record your data.

E. Improvement and Redesign (15 mins )

Based on the test results and suggested improvements, modify and improve your parachute design.
Explore changing variables and/or materials

F. Reflection and Sharing (15 mins)

Discuss as a class the different strategies and designs used, what was learned from the challenge.

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Assessment

Quality of Parachute construction and adherence to design plan
Data collection and analysis
Collaboration and teamwork during the challenge
Reflection on the engineering design process and parachute performance.

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Differentiation

Providing additional resources or materials for students who struggle with understanding the principles of parachute design.
Show a sample model of already made parachute and explaining its parts.
Offering extra guidance through visual aids, and videos.
Pairing struggling students with peers who grasp the concepts well, encouraging peer-to-peer learning and support.

Remediation/Intervention

Extension/Enrichment

Offering advanced materials, such as more complex fabrics or design elements.
Introducing additional challenges, like changing variables (such as size, shape, or weight) to see how they impact the parachute’s performance.
Encouraging students to apply their understanding to real-world scenarios, like designing parachutes for specific purposes (payload delivery and emergency rescue)