Learn Gravity with Parachute People

What kid doesn't love to throw an object off a balcony and watch it fall to the ground? Here's a fun and safe activity that won't break any household items but offers your child that naughty satisfaction by using a homemade parachuting toy! She'll have so much fun, she won't realize you're sneaking in a mini science lesson. For generations this activity has been a hit, and now you can see why!

What You Need:

• Lightweight plastic figurines (toy soldiers, dinosaurs, or any small, lightweight figurine will work.)
• A handkercheif or bandana
• A needle
• Thread (any color)
• Optional: permanent marker

What to Do:

1. This step is for parents only! Use a sharp object to poke a small hole in each corner of the handkerchief. You can use scissors, a hole-punch, a metal skewer, etc. Just be careful not to poke yourself in the process!
2. Cut four equal lengths of thread, and help your child tie one end of each thread tightly to each corner of the handkerchief. Tie the other ends to the figurine, two around each arm or all four around the waist. Knot the ends tightly--you don't want the figurine to fall off on his journey down!
3. If desired, invite your child to decorate the "parachute" with a marker.
4. Go to the top of a balcony or stair case landing and encourage your child to drop the parachuting figurine. Once it lands, fetch it and try it again with a figurine that doesn't have a parachute and compare the falling speeds. Ask your child why she thinks the parachute makes you fall slower.
5. Take turns tossing it down, or make a second one and have a race to see which parachute lands first!