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Courageous Canopy

In this provocation, students will explore air resistance and gravity to create  an effective parachute design. â€‹

Objective:

  • Students will demonstrate creativity in designing unique parachute designs and innovative solutions to ensure a safe landing for Jack and Jill. 

  • Students will work in teams to brainstorm ideas, share resources, and communicate effectively to achieve common goals. 

Problem-solving and strategic thinking:

  • Students will use a variety of materials to design and build a parachute. 

Standards/Objectives addressed:

  • K-2-ETS1-1: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. 

  • K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. 

  • K-2-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs. 

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size. 

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.A.1: Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. Describe several measurable attributes of a single object. 

Background knowledge needed:

  • Understanding how air resistance, drag, and gravity affect the descent of an object like a parachute. 

  • Knowledge of different shapes and their properties to design an effective parachute that can slow down the fall of Jack and Jill. 

  • Familiarity with various materials (such as fabric, paper, plastic) and their characteristics to select the most suitable material for the parachute. 

  • Ability to measure and record data accurately during parachute tests and analyze the results to make informed design decisions. 

  • Understanding basic safety principles when testing parachutes, including proper handling of materials and conducting experiments in a controlled environment. 

  • Capacity to think critically, identify challenges in parachute design, and devise creative solutions to address them. 

  • Skills in working collaboratively with peers, sharing ideas, and contributing to a collective goal of designing a successful parachute for Jack and Jill. 

Materials:

  • Fabric: Lightweight fabrics such as nylon, silk, or polyester can be used to create the main canopy of the parachute. These materials provide durability and good air resistance. 

  • String or Yarn: Strong string or yarn can be used for attaching the canopy to the parachute harness and suspension lines. 

  • Plastic Bags: Thin plastic bags can be repurposed to create a lightweight canopy for the parachute. They offer flexibility and can catch air effectively. 

  • Paper: Lightweight paper, like tissue paper or construction paper, can be used to construct a simple parachute canopy. It is easy to work with and can be decorated. 

  • Scissors: Essential for cutting the materials to the desired shapes and sizes. 

  • Tape or Glue: Adhesives can be used to secure the materials together when assembling the parachute. 

  • Ruler: Useful for measuring and ensuring the dimensions of the parachute components are accurate. 

  • Weights: Small weights or objects can be attached to the parachute to simulate the weight of Jack and Jill during testing. 

Prompts – questions or statements to elicit engagement:

  • Imagine you have unlimited access to materials. What other items or resources could you incorporate into your parachute design to make it stand out?

  • How can we make our parachutes more colorful and visually appealing? What materials could we use for decoration?

  • Consider different textures and properties. What materials could add interesting textures or features to your parachute design? 

  • Are there any unconventional materials you think might work well for specific parts of the parachute, such as the canopy or suspension lines? 

  • Think about the environment where Jack and Jill will land. What materials could enhance the safety or functionality of the parachute in that setting?

  • How can we incorporate recycled or upcycled materials into our parachute design to promote sustainability? 

Vocabulary:

  • parachute, aerodynamics, drag, canopy, suspension lines, deployment, terminal velocity, payload, prototype, iteration

Reflection prompts:

  • What was your initial design idea for the parachute, and how did it evolve throughout the testing process? 

  • Describe a challenge you encountered during the parachute design activity. How did you approach solving this challenge? 

  • What were the most successful aspects of your parachute design? Why do you think those elements were effective? 

  • Reflect on the testing phase of the parachutes. What data did you collect, and how did you use that data to improve your design? 

  • Discuss the importance of teamwork during this activity. How did working with your peers contribute to the success of your parachute design? 

  • In what ways did your understanding of aerodynamics and forces in motion influence your design decisions for the parachute? 

  • Identify one thing you would do differently if you were to redesign your parachute. What lessons did you learn from the testing phase? 

  • How did your parachute design reflect creativity and innovation? What unique features did you incorporate into your design? 

  • Consider the environmental impact of your parachute materials. How could you make your design more sustainable in future iterations? 

  • Reflect on the overall experience of the parachute design challenge. What new skills or knowledge did you gain, and how might you apply them in future STEAM projects? 

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