In Science, we are currently learning about forces. This week, the children were challenged to design and create a parachute. The aim was to see who could make a parachute that could stay in the air the longest. Everyone used the same materials: paper, wool, masking tape and paper clips. The children worked in pairs to create their parachute. They created parachutes of different shapes and sizes.

Once the parachutes were made, we tested to see how long they would stay in the air for. We tested each parachute three times and then calculated the average time it took for it to fall to the ground. To keep it a fair test, we dropped the parachute from the same height each time.

At the end of the lesson we had three groups of the most effective parachutes. You can see the winner’s podium above! We then talked about what made an effective parachute and the force that kept the parachute in the air for longer.