• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Preschool Science
  • Science Facts
  • Printable Experiments
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Science Questions
  • Contact Me
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology for Kids
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry for kids
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Key Stage 3
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Dandelion Parachutes

    Dandelion Parachutes

    May 18, 2012 By Emma Vanstone 7 Comments

    Every time we go for a walk at the moment, my children look for dandelion’s with a full seed head to pick and then blow so they can watch all the tiny parachutes float away on the wind. We started talking about why they fly so well, and their purpose. This is also a fun way to find out about air resistance.

    We decided to try to make our own parachutes.

    What you need:

    Paper

    Scissors

    Sellotape

    Optional paperclip

    Instructions

    Cut an A4 piece of paper lengthways in half so you have two long strips of paper.  Roll each into a tube and stick it in place with sticky tape.  Drop the tubes from somewhere high.  You could try to time their fall (or just note it)

    Now use the scissors to cut down the tube in several places. (We gave one tube wide flaps and one very thin flaps.)

    Drop the tubes from somewhere high and watch them fall. Does one fall faster than the other? You could also compare the speed of a tube with no flaps falling from the same height.

    You can add a paperclip to the bottom to add some weight, but this is not necessary.

    *excuse the photos for today, I’m hoping to get some better ones very soon, including some action shots.

    The Science Bit

    When a dandelion has finished flowering the  flower head dries out and the parachute ball opens into a full sphere. Eventually the seed-bearing parachutes expand and are released. The seed drops off the parachute when it hits the ground or another object.

    In our models we were able to make the paper tubes stay in the air longer by providing flaps which offer more air resistance.  This gives them the opportunity to float further away from where they were released.  With Dandelion seeds this means they can spread out further from the main plant, meaning they can populate wider areas than if they just dropped straight off the plant.

    Have a look at other ways plants disperse their seeds.  We did notice our models spun as they fell to earth which reminded us of sycamore seeds.

     dandelion parachutes

    Last Updated on May 3, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

    « How it all started…
    How to make a Magnifying Glass »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carrie

      May 25, 2012 at 5:20 pm

      What a wonderful lesson!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

      Reply
    2. Exstrumpy82e

      February 12, 2017 at 11:59 am

      http://www.rally-cars.com.pl/pradnica-i-pasek-klinowy
      Purchasing a used or new vehicle might be a tough method unless you know what you are doing. By teaching yourself about car shopping before you decide to visit the car dealership, you could make stuff much easier for yourself. The following advice can help your following shopping getaway become more pleasurable.

      Generally bring a mechanic alongside when searching for a new car. Automobile merchants are notorious for promoting lemons and you may not need to be their following sufferer. If you can not have a auto mechanic to consider automobiles together with you, at least ensure that you have him look at your closing choice before buying it.

      Know your restrictions. Prior to starting purchasing for your upcoming auto or vehicle, determine what you can afford to shell out, and follow it. Don’t forget to include curiosity about your estimations. You are likely to shell out about 20 % as an advance payment as well, so be ready.

      Before seeing a car dealership, know what sort of motor vehicle you desire. Research all you possibilities before purchasing so that you can decide what works best for your budget and household demands. Do your research to learn just how much you ought to be paying to get a possible automobile.

      Before signing any deal take the time to study every series, such as the fine print. If you have anything at all detailed that you just do not understand, tend not to indication up until you receive an answer that you comprehend. Unsavory salesmen may use a legal contract to place numerous fees that were not reviewed.

      When you maintain the previous guidance in your mind the very next time that you go looking for a vehicle, you will certainly be very likely to get a better package. Purchasing a car does not have to become frustration. Use the tips with this article and you will get the automobile you desire at the great selling price.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    What are you looking for?

    JOIN US!

    Get new experiments straight into your inbox every week!!

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    .

    Copyright © 2022 Science Experiments for Kids on the Foodie Pro Theme