How to Build A Plastic Parachute Guy

jmcremps

Here’s the perfect project to cure boredom.  Help your kids build their very own plastic parachuter and they’ll have something fun to play with today AND tomorrow.  It’s fun and easy to do, and best of all – it’s the perfect project for families to do together.

What you need:

  • A plastic grocery store bag
  • Scissors
  • String or twine
  • A marker
  • Tape
  • A hole punch
  • A small figure or weight to act as your parachutist
Gather Your Necessary Supplies.
Gather Your Necessary Supplies.
Cut out your parachute.
Lay your plastic bag flat. Draw a large circle on the center of the bag. It is easiest if you trace a plate or large plastic bowl.
Mark 4 evenly spaced spots on your circle.
Mark four evenly spaced spots on the edge of your circle. This is where you will attach the parachute strings.
Place a small piece of tape over your marked areas.
Place a small piece of tape over your marked areas. This will provide reinforcement so that the plastic doesn’t tear.
Using a hole punch, punch a hole in the four spots that you taped and marked.
Using a hole punch, punch a hole in the four spots that you taped and marked.
Cut four equal-length strings the length of which should be slightly longer than the diameter of the plastic circle.
Cut four equal-length strings the length of which should be slightly longer than the diameter of the plastic circle.
Carefully tie one string to each of the holes you made in the plastic. Be careful not to rip the plastic.
Carefully tie one string to each of the holes you made in the plastic. Be careful not to rip the plastic.
Tie the strings around your object. A plastic army man, a figurine, or other small toy that weighs 5 to 10 grams is best.
Tie the strings around your object. A plastic army man, a figurine, or other small toy that weighs 5 to 10 grams is best.
You're all set! Just drop your parachuter off a high spot and you'll see the chute open up and begin to catch air.
You’re all set! Just drop your parachuter off a high spot and you’ll see the chute open up and begin to catch air.

If you like projects like this, check out the Duct Tape Project CD series titled Warfare By Duct Tape.  The projects in these e-books will keep kids busy for hours.  They’ll learn how to make a shield, a sword, and even a helmet.  If outdoor projects are more your style, then the Handy Dad Series books are perfect.   If science is your thing, then check out The Geek Dad Book for Aspiring Mad Scientists.  It’s a fun father/son science project book.

The instructional portion of this article was provided by wikiHow, a wiki building the world’s largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make a Plastic Parchute. Content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons License.

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