Parachuting Soldiers – A Fun Craft and Science Experiment for Kids
- JohnMark Leonardo
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
Welcome back to Waterfront Academy – your go-to place for fun and easy crafts you can do right at home! Today, we’re combining creativity and science with a hands-on project that kids will love: Parachuting Soldiers!
This craft is more than just play—it’s a great way for children to:
Practice fine motor skills
Follow step-by-step instructions
Explore exciting science concepts like gravity and air resistance
Let’s jump right in (pun intended)!
What You’ll Need:
Miniature army men (or small lightweight figurines)
4 pieces of string (about 12 inches each)
Plastic garbage bag (lightweight works best)
Scissors
Tape or the ability to tie knots
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut the Parachute
Take your garbage bag and cut out a large 12 x 12-inch square. This will be your parachute canopy.
Pro Tip: Try to make the edges as even as possible so the parachute catches the air smoothly.
2. Cut the Strings
Cut four equal pieces of string—about 12 inches long each. You can use yarn, string, or ribbon, just make sure it’s lightweight so it won’t weigh down the parachute.
3. Attach the Strings to the Parachute
Take your parachute square and tape or tie one string to each corner. Make sure they are secure so your soldier doesn’t fall too quickly.
4. Attach the Soldier
Gather the loose ends of the four strings together and tie them around your army man.
Center the knot so your soldier stays upright in flight and doesn’t nosedive.
5. Test and Play!
Hold your soldier up high and let go—watch as he floats gently to the ground like a hero on a mission!
Try making a few parachutes and race them with friends. You can even decorate your parachute with stickers, markers, or paint to give each soldier a unique style.
The Science Behind the Fun
When you drop your parachuting soldier, gravity pulls him down. But the parachute catches the air, creating air resistance that slows his fall. This is the same principle that real parachutes use to keep skydivers safe!
Tip for Teachers & Parents: This activity makes a great STEM craft for classrooms, after-school programs, or rainy-day play. Kids get to explore science concepts while building something with their hands.
We’d love to see where your soldier parachutes from! Share your creations and tag us so we can cheer on your airborne heroes.
Until next time—happy crafting and experimenting! 🪂💪
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