Science Secrets · Drawing 06 of 40
A Soft Landing
Forces and Movement
This little parachute slows the toy’s fall. Air pushes against its wide open canopy. The toy falls more slowly than it would without the parachute.
Did you know?
Gravity still acts during the descent.
Look together
What might happen with a smaller canopy?
An idea to try
An adult prepares two small parachutes of different sizes for the same lightweight toy. Compare the falls above a cushion.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
Air drag opposes the parachute’s motion. Size, shape and materials affect the result. The test uses a low height and does not involve climbing.
Sources and illustration notes (1)
Simplified scene and shapes. Models, imagined comparisons and enlargements do not preserve all real measurements.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. References identify the institution and the related lesson; some linked pages are in French.
- Science World: Parachute Design and DropThis little parachute slows the toy’s fall. Air pushes against its wide open canopy. The toy falls more slowly than it would without the parachute.
Source review: 2026-10-12. Illustrations are simplified for colouring.
