Spiders balloon or parachute using parachutes they have woven themselves. This spider parachute STEM challenge explores creating a parachute for a paper cup spider. Children will be asked to explore different materials that connect the spider to the parachute. They will also explore two different types of parachutes.
This STEM Challenge set includes the following:
- Spider Heads to Attach to the Cups
- Directions for Constructing the Spider
- Directions for Completing the Challenge
- Design/Recording Page
Getting Started with the Parachute STEM Challenge
Downloading the Parachute STEM Challenge Set
The Spider Parachute STEM Challenge set is a PDF. When you download it, you will need to open it with a PDF reader. Acrobat Reader is a popular reader that you can download to use. You probably have it on your computer already.
Gathering the Supplies
The following supplies will the needed to complete the challenge.
- Scissors
- Cupcake Liner
- Coffee Filter
- Tape
- Straws
- Popsicle Sticks
- Black Pipe Cleaners
- Printed Spider Faces
- Paper Clips
Building the Spiders
Children will need to follow the directions on the directions page to put the spiders together. After reading over the directions, some children may have better ideas for the spider’s face and feet. It is perfectly okay for them to create their own version of the spider.
The way they decide to construct their spider and parachute will need to be illustrated on the design/recording page.
Conducting the Challenge
The challenge asks children to try dropping the spider with each of its parachute combinations three times. There is a section on the design/recording sheet to share how the spider and its parachute land.
If they keep landing on their side, you can try adding a few paperclips to the open end of the cup. It can help it to land with the spider standing up.
More STEM Challenges
Peter Rabbit STEM Challenge- Building a Fence
Building Plastic Egg Parachutes
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