Gravity and parachutes

Explore the history of parachutes and how the Army uses them. Design, make and test your own inspired by the historic designs in our collections.

Are you an excellent engineer?

Discover how gravity and air resistance act on parachutes, and put your skills and knowledge to the test with our parachute challenge.

Learners will investigate the effect of canopy shape and material on flight as they work as engineers to construct their own parachutes before heading to our drop zone to test them out.

This session is 60 minutes long and includes:

• Scientific enquiry
• Make and Take activity
• Group discussion
• Team working
• Historic photographs
• Gallery visit and trails (optional)

Curriculum areas:

• Science
• Design and Technology
• Engineering