Why do Aerobies not only fly far, but really far? It’s because of air resistance. We may not see air, but it’s there, and when an object is flying it has to push air out of the way. It’s like when you’re in a car and stick your hand out the window. If you hold it flat with your palm facing down, you glide right through the air because there’s little resistance. But if you turn your palm up, the air pushes your hand. That’s because there’s more resistance. The thinner something is, the less air it has to move out of the way to fly. That’s why Aerobie Frisbees fly so far! You’re probably wondering why the Sonic Fin flies so far since it’s not flat. That’s true, but it is hollow. Air easily flows through it because there’s little resistance. If it were a solid shape, you wouldn’t be able to throw it as far.
Parental supervision required.
Use a needle or skewer to make four equally spaced holes at the top of your cup. This will be your parachute base.
Use the ruler to draw out a 20 inch by 20 inch square on the plastic bag.
Cut out the square to make your parachute.
Use a needle or skewer to poke a hole in each corner of the parachute square.
Cut four pieces of string the same length (minimum 20 inches) and tie one end of each string to each corner of the parachute.
Tie the other end of each string to each hole in the cup.
Fill the cup with you packing material, and maybe take a toy along for the ride.
The faster your parachute drops, the less air resistance there is. A slower drop means there is more air resistance.
