REME MUSEUM of TECHNOLOGY

EDUCATION SERVICE

KS1 & KS2 Science Workshop
Drop Zone

Mini Workshop - 30 minutes

Key Stage 1
NC: QCA:	Sc1 Scientific enquiry, Ideas and evidence in science 1; Investigative Skills 2b, 2c, 2d, 2g, 2i Sc4 Physical Properties, Forces and Motion 2a, 2c 2E Forces and Movement
Key Stage 2
NC: QCA:	Sc1 Scientific enquiry, Investigative Skills 2d, 2j & 2k Sc4 Physical Properties, Forces and Motion 2b & 2c 4E Friction & 6E Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

Aim

To explore the forces of gravity and resistance using silk parachutes. This workshop takes place by the Museum's real parachute display in the Main Museum.

Method

Test 1 - Parachute Test
1. Predict which parachute (small, medium or large) will fall the quickest and slowest.
2. Drop parachutes onto the 'Drop Zone' and record results on Activity Sheets.
3. Discuss how to make this experiment a 'fair test'.
Test 2 - Parachutist Test
1. Predict which parachutist (light, medium or heavy) will fall the quickest and slowest.
2. Drop parachutists onto the 'Drop Zone' and record results on Activity Sheets.
3. Discuss what other things can be dropped by parachute and why.

Options

Please choose an appropriate level for your class:

Level 1 - Pupils drop parachutes at the same time for each test to see which hits the ground first.
Level 2 - Pupils drop the parachutes one at a time for each test and time their descent using a stopwatch.

List of items used in this activity

Parachute display
Silk parachutes
Activity Sheets
Stopwatch (Level 2 only)

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Key Stage 1 & 2 Science

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REME Museum, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield, Berkshire RG2 9NJ, United Kingdom

Email Education Enquiries or telephone 0118 976 3375 for further information

Page produced by Peter Eldred - Last updated 23 October 2004