Build a Plastic Parachute
Want to construct a plastic parachute? maybe you have bored children that need something entertaining to snap them out of their grumpy mood or maybe you are just having a boring day and need something fun that will bring back memories from your childhood then this is the website for you! enjoy
Contents
Steps
- Gather the necessary supplies, as listed below in "Things You'll Need".
- Choose your plastic material. Anything from a plastic slip-cover to a garbage can bag can work well. Make sure it's loose and flexible.
- Draw a large circle on your plastic. Make it as even as possible so you don't end up with a lop-sided parachute.
- You can use a large bowl or dish to trace your circle. Or if you're really confident, you can even draw a circle freehand!
- Choose your string. Twine or any moderately heavy string should work. Try to scale it to about the same length as the diameter of your parachute.
- Cut out the circular parachute. A sharp pair of scissors can help a lot here, otherwise you may stretch and/or tear the plastic. Tearing however is not suggested for it can be very messy.
- Try taking open scissors and dragging one blade pressing firmly along the circle. Often this leads to a perfect or near perfect cut.
- Mark at least 4 places evenly spaced apart on your plastic circle.
- Tape over these places as added reinforcement.
- Using a hole punch - punch the holes in the along edge of the plastic. A minimum of four holes should be enough. Be careful not to rip the holes—you will be using them to tie your string to the plastic.
- Measure 4 (or more) lengths of string that are the same size.
- Tie the strings to the parachute. Again, be careful not to tear the holes while knotting, if you are using soft plastic. Avoid getting the string tangled, as well.
- Tie the weight to the parachute strings. You'll want something moderately heavy. Any object that weighs about 5-10 grams will work.
- Find a high place to drop your parachute. You will want to have some height to enjoy the parachute, but be reasonable. After all, you'll need to go back and get it.
- Drop the parachute and watch it Fall! Don't be alarmed if it doesn't open when you drop it at ground level. Even parachutes need time to get air beneath them.
- Drop it off a higher place to get it to float better.
- Finished.
Tips
- To make your parachute more effective, try taking a ring of half-an-inch cloth and carefully glue it around the edges of the plastic. This will weigh the ends down and give the parachute the "dome shape" much faster. Be careful not to make it too heavy, or the parachute won't catch any air.
- Try knotting the strings before you try the weight on. Although this will require a bit more string to accomplish, it should also help to avoid getting the strings tangled.
- Cut a rough square off from a bag of polyethylene. Fold like Origami. Cut an excess off as it'll be an isosceles triangle. The location where a good balance puts strings simultaneously with circular completion is also indicated.
Warnings
- This parachute is not sufficiently large or strong for a person. Do not attempt to jump from a great height with your parachute.
- Warn children that this will not allow them to survive falls. It would be advisable to supervise children using this.
- Keep in mind that the plastic bag and the leftover pieces are a choking hazard, and also that scissors can cause injury if not handled properly; it is imperative that small children you are working with be monitored closely while making this craft project.
- Do not drop your parachute onto people, or into a public place without permission.
Things You'll Need
- Loose plastic sheets (50cm x 50cm per square)
- Scissors
- Twine or string
- Any small "weight" (e.g. plastic action figure, a washer)
- Cloth (Optional)
