This week, 5 Red have been using their investigation skills to test out the effect of air resistance and gravity on parachutes. They worked tirelessly to create their own parachutes, changing the size, material or shape of the canopy to see what changes would occur when it was dropped down from a height. The big question: What forces are at play during a parachute jump?
Have a look at them go!
We concluded that gravity is the downwards force acting on the parachute, which pulls it down. Air resistance is the upwards force acting on the parachute which slows the parachute down from falling too fast. The greater the surface area of the canopy, the greater the air resistance. Therefore, the slower the parachute would fall.
We are scientists! Where can we see examples of air resistance in real life?
Challenge: Why does a car need both wheel brakes for lower speeds and parachutes for high speeds to slow it down?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/science-design-and-technology-ks2-how-air-resistance-slows-down-vehicles/znc9wty
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