Courageous Canopy

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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?