Product title

Science Explorer II

Activity title on CD-Rom

Parachute drop

Key Stage and year

KS2, Y4

Curriculum Reference

 
Science

Primary Curriculum

QCA Y4 4E Friction
NC Sc1 KS2 Sc1 i - l Sc4 2 b 2 c

Scottish Guidelines

Environmental Studies 5-14 Society, Science and Technology Energy and Forces Level D

This activity would be an excellent reinforcement of practical classroom activities involving parachutes or spinners. Children have to decide when to activate the 'DROP' lever so that the parcel drops into the back of the lorry.
The role of air resistance is important and should be emphasised as there is always the possibility that this exercise could reinforce misconceptions about heavy objects falling faster.