Full science inquiry involves asking a simple question,
completing an investigation, answering the question, and presenting the
results to others. Experiments are guided by concepts and are performed
to test ideas.
Challenge
Set up an experiment to test this question:
Question
How should a 30-cm square be shaped to make a parachute that produces
the most drag and, therefore, gives the slowest fall? (NOTE: Test
three shapes.)
Procedure
Basic materials should include a plastic bag, string, and a washer.
Write your question, hypothesis, procedure, and materials list on
a sheet of paper. Remember to drop the parachutes, one at a time.
Write up and present the results.
Extension
Can you figure out the speed at which your parachutes fell?
(Answer: S=D/T)
