How to Make a Miniature Parachute

Many young boys and girls envision doing fun and exciting things such as flying, sailing and parachuting. While they may not be able to actually strap on a parachute, ride an airplane into the clouds or jump out into the wild blue yonder, they can very easily create a parachute for their action figures. In doing so, children can act out their fantasies. Parachutes can provide hours of enjoyment. It can also be an educational experience and an introduction to aerodynamics.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• String
• Plastic bag
• Action figure
• Scissors

1. Find a plastic bag. This could be a trash bag or discarded grocery store bag. Cut it into a square shape.

2. Cut four holes into the corners of the bag.

3. Tie a length of string to each of the corners of the bag. Be sure that the strings do not get tangled. You may paint the string or use colored string.

4. Place the ends of the strings together and knot them. Leave enough string free to tie around the action figure.

5. Loop the string around an action figure. Fold the parachute and lightly wrap the string and action figure around it.

6. Throw the parachute into the air. As the string unravels, the parachute will open.

Tips & Warnings

• Throw the parachute in an open area. You don’t want it to get stuck in a tree or for the parachute to snag on something and tear.
• Children should be supervised if they are handling scissors.
• Your parachute should be kept out of the reach of small children. As with anything else made of plastic, this parachute presents a smothering hazard to small children.