Sci-box_'Chute 'em down

			'Chute 'em down


		How does the mass of an object affect its rate of descent by parachute?

		You will need to drop the parachute from a height - so be careful where you choose to carry out this investigation. (An upstairs window would be a good place - but make sure you get permission.)

PLAN	Make a parachute. Attach a known mass. Drop it from a height and time its descent. Alter the mass. Drop it again and time the descent. Repeat with different masses.			I WILL NEED	A piece of material (at least 30cm x 30cm) for the parachute (e.g.: a large handkerchief). Some thread. A paperclip. Some objects to attach to the parachute (e.g.: metal nuts or washers). A watch with a second hand. Pencil and paper.
				I MAY NEED	A stopwatch would be useful but is not essential.
	To make your parachute, tie 4 pieces of thread (equal in length) to the corners of a large square of material. Bend a paperclip to make a hook. Tie the ends of the thread to the paperclip-hook. Attach the objects to the hook.			FAIR TEST	What height will you drop the parachute from?.

	PREDICTION	Will the greater mass fall more quickly? Why do you think so? How does this connect to other investigations you have carried out?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY	What did you notice when you dropped the parachute? Did you encounter any problems? What did you do to overcome these?			COLLECT DATA	How will you make sure that your timing is accurate?
				ANALYSE DATA	You could make a table of your results. Would it help to draw a graph? What does this tell you?
				PRESENT FINDINGS	What is the best way to show what you did? What did you discover? Could you design a simple presentation to demonstrate what you found out? Perhaps you could make a video of this?

	EVALUATE INVESTIGATION	If you were going to do this investigation again, what changes would you make ... and why?

	If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website. It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post. Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.
	Experiment		Air resistance		Leonardo