3Force-11

This lesson is the second part of a two lesson investigation/fun activity. The idea is to have the pupils build and test parachutes. This links in with the work they have been doing on types of forces and Newton's second law and also prempts work on terminal verlocity which will follow next term.

Pupils should have completed their parachutes in the previous lesson/homework. They need to attach them to a 100g weight and add some picket tape too.

To test the parachutes use a light gate (with the picket tape adapter attached). Drop the parachutes from the same height using the step ladder.

Health and Safety:

While using the ladder 3 points of contact should be maintained at all times to avoid falling. The parachute should be handed to the person on the ladder once they are at the top. The ladder should be held by someone at the bottom to avoid tipping. The area being dropped onto should be clear of people.

If dropping the parachute out of a window there should be someone at ground level to ensure that no-one walks under the falling object. The teacher should be positioned at the window and do the dropping without leaning out too far.

Equipment:

Lots of string and plastic bags PASCO light gate with picket tape PASCO explorer Step ladder