Catching air - week 3 of flight

Today we made parachutes in science - nothing fancy. Easy enough so they can share the activity with their families. It's one of several favorite science activities. One of the ones they remember throughout elementary school.

We start with a 12" to 14" square of light plastic, preferably a garbage or grocery bag,
4 - 12" lengths of string,
a jumbo paperclip or a similar weight,
and tape.

1. Lay the square of plastic out flat on your work surface.
2. Tape the last 1/2" of a length of string to each corner of the plastic - being careful not to tape anything to the work surface.
3. Gather the untaped end of each length of string in one hand.
4. Use your other hand to wrap a piece of tape around all four string ends, to secure them together.
5. Tape your jumbo paper clip to the gathered and taped string ends.
6. Take your parachute outside, fold it up, throw it up in the air or drop it from the top of a play structure or ??

If it's a windy day not only will your parachute catch the air and float to the ground, but it'll sail a short distance with the force of the wind.