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Week 06 · Slow Drop

Build Day

Build Day: Gentle Landing Contest
// A parachute that falls slowly
⏱ about 20 min

Build Day: Gentle Landing Contest

Raven sets out napkins, string and paper cups.

"Every team builds a parachute," Rocket says.

"Then a grown-up drops each one from the same height."

Nova floats near the ceiling. "I will time each landing."

Who will float down the slowest?

  1. Gravity pulls down. Air resistance pushes up.
  2. A larger canopy makes more drag.
  3. Compare many ideas to find the best one.
  4. Drop from the same height for a fair test.
◇ FAMILY GENTLE LANDING CONTEST
Each team builds a parachute for a cup with 2 coins.
Try a new canopy shape or size.
A grown-up drops every parachute from the same height.
Time each fall.
The longest time wins.
For a grown-up
Do all drops yourself, standing on the floor.
Hold your arm at the same height each time.
Ask: which ideas did you compare before you built?
Safety first
No climbing to drop parachutes.
Keep coins away from babies.
BUILD DAY CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Which canopy will likely fall slower?
GENTLE LANDING CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
One team drops from higher up. Is that fair?
Two parachutes take 2 and 3 seconds. Which wins?
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