This activity can be done as an individual or as a small group. I start off the activity by having students watch the "history of the parachute" on YouTube. Then we talk about other ways that parachutes are made. I then let them research the different styles of parachutes and they can choose a design to recreate, combine 2 or more designs, or come up with an original design. Throughout this activity they will be following the Engineering Design Process. I usually give them a day for research, a