After learning about parachutes and their purpose in class, students were presented with a STEAM challenge. They had to design a parachute to slow down a bean bag from falling from a high place. This challenge was set up as a race, but instead of trying to finish first, the goal is to finish last! In other words, the parachute that is able to slow the bean bag down and hit the ground last, is considered the winner.
During the designing process, students were able to work on their problem-solving skills by making appropriate altercations, modification and adjustments to their design. As well as a lot of observations and experimentation. It was a perfect activity to summarize the topic on parachutes, but most importantly a fun and exciting experience for the students.