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It may not be much but making a parachute could be a very fun activity, both for the exercise of knowledge on aerodynamics , or maybe some things more about physics and just for the sheer fun of it. Also, it is a good alternative to common toys seen in the market today.

Introduction

A parachute is a device which uses the effect of drag to slow down its descent from high latitudes. It was invented by a man named Louis-Sébastien Lenormand during 1783 and is not used both for military and recreational activities. Its general design includes a canopy that is made of a lightweight fabric that supports the suspension lines and is supported by tapes. Similar materials are used in almost all forms of parachutes.

Here are three modifications on making a parachute.

Parachute Model No. 1

Materials needed:

A piece of lightweight cloth, preferably 30 cm sq (handkerchief, bandana or scarf could be used)

A weight (could be a small toy, a metal washer or any piece of small item that could give sufficient weight to the parachute)

4 pieces of 40 cm long strings

Instructions:

Using the overhand knot, tie each corner of the lightweight cloth. Afterwards, tie each string to the inner edge of the knot allowing the bulk of the knot to stop the string to slip off. Collect all strings in one hand and pull the center of the cloth using the fingers. Again using an overhand knot, tie all the ends of the strings together allowing, as much as possible don’t leave a space at the end of the strings.

Finally, attach the weight to the parachute. If you are using a washer, use a lark’s head knot. To test the mini parachute, try dropping it from shoulders’ height. Make the necessary adjustments to achieve better gliding motion.

Parachute Model No. 2

Materials needed:

A polythene bag (I possible make use of a stretchy polythene bag)

Four one-foot long stings

A paper clip

Modeling clay

Instructions:

Cut a 12 by 12 inch sq from the polythene bag. Make a hole on each side of the square. Tie the strings to all sides of the hole, making the length of all strings as uniformed as possible then tie the free ends of the strings using an overhand knot. Attach a paper clip to the tied ends. Meanwhile, make a small model of a person using clay. Estimate the size as to the weight capacity of the parachute. Attach the person to the paper clip. Afterwards, cut a small hole at the center of the parachute about 1 by 1 cm in diameter.

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