Aw Chute

Students determine d=rt using a parachute and stop watches and tape measures. Students then graph the findings. Students will determine the relationship between the distance and rate and time of the parachute descending to the ground. Students will then graph the findings after creating a table with several trials.

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards
CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.A.3
Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions. For example, apply the distributive property to the expression 3 (2 + x) to...
CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.C.9
Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that change in relationship to one another; write an equation to express one...
CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A.2
Understand that rewriting an expression in different forms in a problem context can shed light on the problem and how the quantities in it are...
CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.B.4
Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems by...
CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.A.2
Compare properties of two functions each represented in a different way (algebraically, graphically, numerically in tables, or by verbal...
CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.A.3
Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function, whose graph is a straight line; give examples of functions that are not linear. For...
CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.B.4
Construct a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities. Determine the rate of change and initial value of the function from a...
CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.B.5
Describe qualitatively the functional relationship between two quantities by analyzing a graph (e.g., where the function is increasing or...
GLE 0606.3.1
Write and solve two-step equations and inequalities.
GLE 0606.3.2
Interpret and represent algebraic relationships with variables in expressions, simple equations and inequalities.
GLE 0706.3.1
Recognize and generate equivalent forms for simple algebraic expressions.
GLE 0706.3.2
Understand and compare various representations of relations and functions.
GLE 0706.3.7
Use mathematical models involving linear equations to analyze real-world phenomena.
GLE 0706.3.8
Use a variety of strategies to efficiently solve linear equations and inequalities.
GLE 0806.3.1
Recognize and generate equivalent forms for algebraic expressions.
GLE 0806.3.4
Translate among verbal, tabular, graphical and algebraic representations of linear functions.
GLE 0806.3.5
Use slope to analyze situations and solve problems.
SPI 0606.3.2
Use order of operations and parentheses to simplify expressions and solve problems.
SPI 0606.3.3
Write equations that correspond to given situations or represent a given mathematical relationship.
SPI 0606.3.4
Rewrite expressions to represent quantities in different ways.
SPI 0606.3.8
Select the qualitative graph that models a contextual situation (e.g., water filling then draining from a bathtub).
SPI 0706.3.3
Given a table of inputs x and outputs f(x), identify the function rule and continue the pattern.
SPI 0706.3.6
Solve linear equations with rational coefficients symbolically or graphically.
SPI 0706.3.7
Translate between verbal and symbolic representations of real-world phenomena involving linear equations.
SPI 0706.3.8
Solve contextual problems involving two-step linear equations.
SPI 0706.3.9
Solve linear inequalities in one variable with rational coefficients symbolically or graphically.
SPI 0806.1.2
Interpret a qualitative graph representing a contextual situation.
SPI 0806.3.4
Translate between various representations of a linear function.
SPI 0806.3.5
Determine the slope of a line from an equation, two given points, a table or a graph.
SPI 0806.3.7
Identify, compare and contrast functions as linear or nonlinear.
TSS.Math.6.EE.A.3
Apply the properties of operations (including, but not limited to, commutative, associative, and distributive properties) to generate equivalent...
TSS.Math.6.EE.C.9
Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that change in relationship to one another.
TSS.Math.7.EE.A.2
Understand that rewriting an expression in different forms in a contextual problem can provide multiple ways of interpreting the problem and how the...
TSS.Math.7.EE.B.4
Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems by...
TSS.Math.8.F.A.2
Compare properties of two functions each represented in a different way (algebraically, graphically, numerically in tables, or by verbal descriptions).
TSS.Math.8.F.A.3
Know and interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function, whose graph is a straight line; give examples of functions that are not linear.
TSS.Math.8.F.B.4
Construct a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities. Determine the rate of change and initial value of the function from a description...
TSS.Math.8.F.B.5
Describe qualitatively the functional relationship between two quantities by analyzing a graph (e.g., where the function is increasing or decreasing, linear...
 
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
 
Learning objectives: 

After designing and constructing parachutes, students use the distance formula to determine the rate of descent and with this information look for similarities in design.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Extensions and Connections:

  • Based on the findings from this exploratory lesson, have students try to improve their original designs by constructing a new set of parachutes which will have increased “hang times.”
  • What affect does dropping the parachute from a higher distance have on the “hang time?” Is the slowest one still the slowest one? Does the weight of the parachute have an affect on the “hang time?”
  • Have students research parachutes and how they work. As part of the assignment have them talk to other teachers, family members, and other adults about parachuting.
  • Many areas have airports, sky diving associations, military bases or others resources where persons may be available to talk about parachuting to your class.

Helpful Hints

Each group of two students will need:

  • Plastic trash bag
  • Pair of scissors
  • Yard/Meter stick
  • String
  • Magic marker
  • Paper clip or tape
  • Aw Chute Data Chart

Each class will need:

  • Several stopwatches
  • Class Chart
  • Circular objects (frisbee, bowl for tracing)

References

Contributors: