Build an Egg Parachute
Design and build an egg parachute using plastic bags, string, and lightweight materials to protect a hard-boiled egg during a drop test.
Step-by-step guide to build an egg parachute
DIY Egg Parachute Experiment
Step 1
Gather all your materials and clear a flat workspace.
Step 2
Cut a square from the plastic bag about 40 centimeters across to make the parachute canopy.
Step 3
Cut four equal lengths of string about 30 centimeters each.
Step 4
Tie one end of each string securely to a different corner of the plastic square.
Step 5
Wrap the hard-boiled egg gently in the lightweight cushioning to form a soft cradle.
Step 6
Use tape to secure the cushioning so the egg stays snug in the cradle.
Step 7
Tie the free ends of the four strings to the egg cradle so the egg hangs centered under the canopy.
Step 8
Hold the parachute by the canopy and adjust the string lengths so the egg hangs level about 10 to 15 centimeters below the canopy.
Step 9
Choose a safe drop spot and place a pillow or blanket as a soft landing area.
Step 10
With adult supervision, drop your parachute from about one meter and watch how it falls.
Step 11
Inspect the egg carefully for cracks after the drop.
Step 12
If the egg cracked, add more cushioning around the egg and re-tape the cradle.
Step 13
With adult supervision, repeat the drop from a higher safe spot when your parachute looks ready.
Step 14
Share a photo and description of your finished egg parachute on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have the plastic bag, string, or lightweight cushioning listed in the materials?
If you don't have a plastic bag for the canopy use a light cotton handkerchief or a garbage bag, replace the four 30 cm strings with yarn, dental floss, or shoelaces, and use cotton balls, crumpled tissue, or bubble wrap as the lightweight cushioning to wrap the hard‑boiled egg.
The egg keeps tilting or the parachute collapses—what should we check or fix?
Retie the four corner knots so each string is secure and equal in length, adjust them so the egg hangs level about 10 to 15 centimeters below the canopy, and add more cushioning and tape around the egg cradle if the egg bounces or cracks on impact.
How can we adapt this activity for younger kids or older kids?
For preschoolers have an adult cut the 40 cm canopy and tie the strings and use a plastic or play egg with very low drops onto a pillow, while older kids can cut different canopy sizes, experiment with string lengths and repeat drops from higher safe spots to test designs.
How can we extend or personalize the egg parachute project after the basic build?
Decorate the parachute canopy before tying the strings, try adding a small weight or extra layers to the canopy to stabilize the fall, test different cushioning combinations and canopy sizes, and then share a photo and description of your finished egg parachute on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to build an egg parachute
DIY Kids Egg Drop Parachute Project 🪂 | DIY Fun Activity Kids
4 Videos
DIY Kids Egg Drop Parachute Project 🪂 | DIY Fun Activity Kids
How Do You Make An Egg Drop Parachute? - Childhood Education Zone
Parachute Egg Drop Experiment- Physics Project | ig: @tanuushre
Save the Egg STEM Challenge: Design a Parachute That Works!
Facts about parachute design and basic aerodynamics
♻️ Recycled materials like plastic bags, scrap string, and packing foam can make surprisingly effective, lightweight parachutes — and help reduce waste.
⏱️ Padding and crumple zones protect an egg by increasing the time of impact — spreading the slowdown lowers the force on the egg (F = Δp/Δt).
🥚 Hard-boiled eggs are used in drop tests because the yolk and white solidify, so they won't spill everywhere if they crack — much easier to clean up!
💨 Parachutes slow you down by increasing air resistance — a larger canopy catches more air and reduces falling speed a lot.
🪂 The first recorded parachute descent was by André-Jacques Garnerin in 1797 when he jumped from a hot-air balloon with a canvas canopy.
How do you build an egg parachute for a drop test?
What materials do I need to make an egg parachute?
What ages is the egg parachute activity suitable for?
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