Changing the speed of a parachute
I can clearly describe how drag forces affect the motion of falling objects.
Changing the speed of a parachute
I can clearly describe how drag forces affect the motion of falling objects.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The gravitational force on a falling object is constant.
- The drag force on a falling obejct depends on its speed and shape.
- Objects falling through the air will reach a terminal velocity when the drag and gravitational forces are equal.
- The terminal velocity can be changed by changing the drag force (e.g. with a parachute).
Keywords
Gravitational force - The gravitational force on something pulls it downwards, towards Earth.
Drag force - When an object moves through a fluid there is a drag force that opposes the movement.
Resultant force - A resultant force is the overall effect of a set of forces on an object, taking their directions into account.
Parachute - A parachute is used to increase the size of drag forces. This slows down the object it is attached to.
Terminal velocity - An object reaches a terminal velocity when the drag and gravitational forces are equal.
Common misconception
Video of skydiving may lead pupils to think opening a parachute makes a skydiver 'shoot upwards'.
Explain that this 'upwards motion' is relative motion to a cameraman. Discuss what a sudden upwards motion would do to a falling skydiver.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Changing the speed of a parachute, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Changing the speed of a parachute, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Moving by force unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
A force that pulls objects towards Earth.
A force caused by friction due to air.
The overall effect of a set of forces on an object.
A device used to increase drag during a fall.
The speed an object falls at.
