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Parachute Lab

This document provides instructions for an experiment using paper parachutes to learn about the scientific process. Students will first build and observe basic parachutes, noting characteristics and formulating questions. They will research concepts like free fall and air resistance. Students will then choose a question to study, such as how design alterations affect fall rate. The document outlines constructing a basic parachute and guidelines for designing and conducting experiments to answer the chosen question. Students are asked to document their work in a formal lab report.

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Nichole Cain
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91 views

Parachute Lab

This document provides instructions for an experiment using paper parachutes to learn about the scientific process. Students will first build and observe basic parachutes, noting characteristics and formulating questions. They will research concepts like free fall and air resistance. Students will then choose a question to study, such as how design alterations affect fall rate. The document outlines constructing a basic parachute and guidelines for designing and conducting experiments to answer the chosen question. Students are asked to document their work in a formal lab report.

Uploaded by

Nichole Cain
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Experimenting with Paper Parachutes 9/14

Integrated Science 1
Redwood High School Name: Per:

! Background
The paper parachute activity is designed for you to complete the scientific process by developing questions,
choosing a question to study, organizing an experiment to come up with an answer to your question, conducting the
experiment and drawing conclusions based on the outcome of the experiment. You will share your experiment with
others by writing a formal Laboratory Report.

Research and Formulating Questions


The scientific process begins by making observations and asking questions about what you observe. To begin
this activity you will build and observe a paper parachute noting its physical characteristics and design. Launch the
parachute. Do this several times to observe the result. Based on your observations consider: would all parachute
designs behave the same? Would they fall at the same rate? Would they all spin in the same direction? What happens
if you refold the blades in the opposite direction? Do environmental conditions influence the flight of the parachute?
What will happen if you increase the weight of the parachute or change the length of the wing? Can you predict what
would happen if you altered the parachute design in another way?
To formulate thought-provoking questions think about the purpose of an actual parachute, research some
information from acceptable sources. Use your research to formulate some insightful questions regarding parachute
design.

Constructing a paper parachute (refer to these in your


Experimental Design/ Procedure)
1. Cut the attached sheet into three strips that look like
Diagram 1. These strips can be folded to form three
individual parachutes.
2. Cut along the dotted lines and fold along the solid lines.
a. Cut along the dotted line between sections A and B.
b. Fold the section labeled A behind section B.
c. Fold section C behind section B.
d. Fold section D behind section B as well.
e. Complete the parachute by folding blade X in one Diagram 2
direction and blade Y in the opposite direction.
(see Diagram 2.)
Note: Paper clips may be added to section B for additional Diagram 1
weight. Many other modifications are possible as well.

For HOMEWORK: Do some research. Record source information then take notes on the topics noted below
(write information related to parachute fall—not just definitions).

Source (URL, book, or journal):


Author & Date (if book or journal): Date:

Free fall:

Air resistance:

Terminal speed/velocity:
! Write 3 questions related to your research that could be answered with paper parachutes:
1.

2.

3.

! Choose a question to study


As a lab group, choose one question to focus on for this activity that really sparks your interests.
Draft a Design Outline.

! Procedures Take a photo of your designs.


Include a picture of your designs
with your Formal Lab Report
1. Use class time to refine your experimental design.
2. Practice launching/dropping various parachute designs/modifications.
3. Make plans to have all materials needed to build and launch your design on block day.
3. Draft data tables.
4. Have final draft data tables and all materials needed to build and launch in class with you on block day.
5. Referring to the Formal Lab Report handout complete a typed formal lab report.

Title:

Hypothesis:

Independent Variable:

Treatments of I.V.
(indicate control treatment):

# of trials you will conduct


for each treatment:

Dependent Variable (s): describe quantitative and qualitative data

Quantitative Measurements (include units):

Qualitative Measurements:

Constants:

2 Parachute Lab

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