Which parachute floats the longest?

Which parachute floats the longest?

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about doing a fair test.

Use the materials listed below to make three parachutes which measure: 15 cm × 15 cm, 25 cm × 25 cm, 35 cm × 35 cm. Materials: plastic supermarket bags, string, plasticene, cellotape; object to be attached to parachute.

a)
Make a drawing of what your parachutes will look like in the space below.
Label important details on your parachutes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
b)
 
Each parachute is to be tested 4 times. What are two things that need to be kept the same, so that this is a fair test?
 
  1
 
 
  2.
 
 
c)
Why do we test each parachute 4 times?
 
 
 
 
 
d) i)
Test your parachute.
Record your results in the table below.
   
Parachute size Time: 1st test Time: 2nd test Time: 3rd test Time: 4th test
15 cm × 15 cm        
25 cm × 25 cm        
35 cm × 35 cm        
  ii) Write a sentence about what your results show.

 
 
 
 
Task administration: 
Equipment
Supermarket plastic bags; string; plasticene; clock; timer; cellotape; scissors; ruler; pen; object of mass 30-50 grams to go on parachute.
Level:
3
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Physical World
Keywords: 
physical inquiry, forces, air resistance, parachutes, fair testing
Description of task: 
Students construct three different sized parachutes from plastic bags. They then carry out a fair test to see which sized parachute is the most effective. Students answer questions about fair tests, collect and record their results, and make a conclusion.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.

Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss fair testing in investigations and the patterns in the data collected. 
 
 
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data
Answers/responses: 
a) A parachute is drawn. The canopy is made from a square
b) Any 2 of:

  • Same mass used for each parachute type.
  • Parachutes are dropped from the same height.
  • Parachutes are tested in the same conditions, e.g., the same amount of wind etc.
c) To get a more accurate result.
d) i) Table completed.
ii) For a statement which reflects their results, e.g., The parachute with the largest area took the longest time to fall.