Egg Parachute Design Instructions

Egg drop projects are common in physics classes, where students learn about velocity and air resistance. Often, the projects are assigned with a variety of options, including a list of materials to use in constructing an egg drop contraption. The egg needs to land on the floor without breaking. In past egg drop assignments, some students have opted to make parachutes which break the speed of the falling egg and help the egg descend without harm.

Step 1

Draw and cut out a circle in the paper or garbage bag, approximately 30 inches in diameter. If necessary, use a lid or other round object as a guide.

Step 2

Punch eight holes around the diameter of the circle. Make sure the circles are punched equally around the diameter of the material. If desired, place clear tape on the edges of the parachute before using the hole punch. This will strengthen the parachute.

Step 3

Fold the stiff paper down the center. Unfold then fold the opposite way. This will make a point at the top of the stiff paper. This action is not necessary with the garbage bag.

Step 4

Tie eighteen inches of string to each of the eight holes. Glue each knot to strengthen the connection between string and parachute. Make sure the string is of equal length so the parachute will be even.

Step 5

Tape all the strings together near the basket attachment area. Twist the strings together 2 inches above the ends and wrap the twist with a short length of tape or glue.

Step 6

Attach the basket, whether it is a small wicker basket or a piece of an egg carton, to the twisted strings. If the basket has a handle, tie all eight strings to the center of the handle. If the basket is an egg carton piece, cut four holes equally spaced in the egg carton piece. Tie two strings per hole to the egg carton piece.