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OBJECTIVES:
You will learn about deceleration devices like parachutes and
parafoils. You will build two models to learn about the differences
and experiment with different sizes and weights. You will scale
the parafoil pattern.
STEPS TO FOLLOW:
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Ask yourself, "What is
the difference between a parachute and a parafoil?"
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To make the parafoil: print out or
look at the parafoil pattern.
Scale the pattern to whatever size you like.
You can make it small or large;
try rectangles or squares. In all cases
make sure you leave room to overlap one side.
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Fold the parafoil pattern. Overlap the ends and glue together. Make
5 of the same shape. Tape these together to make a ram air parafoil.
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Cut 4 pieces of string about 18" long. Tape one to each corner
of the parafoil.
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MATERIALS:
- Light-Weight Plastic Grocery Store Bag With Handles
- 5 Sheets of Colored Paper for Each Student
- Fishing Line, Light Weight String, or Thick Thread
- Glue
- Clear Tape
- Safety Scissors
- A Small Amount of Clay, Action Figure or Other Small Object Which
Can be Attached to the Parachute
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To make the parachute, fold the plastic grocery bag flat. Using
the safety scissors, cut across the bag removing the handles and about 2 inches above the handles.
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Cut 4 strings 12 inches long. Tape one end of each string to the
parachute, spacing the strings equally around the parachute.
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If you are using clay: make a ball and mold the 4 ends of the
strings into the clay.
If you use an action figure: draw the strings together and
tie them to the action figure.
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Go outside and launch your parafoil and parachute. Note that the
parafoil sinks down and moves
forward. Experiment with the amount of weight you add.
Try and make
different size parachutes and parafoils. Try a triangle instead of
a rectangular shape for the parafoil. Build a
second parachute and make a small vent. Have your friends
make them too. Record
the amount of weight your different
size parachutes and parafoils can support.
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