Why does a toy attached to a parachute fall so much slower than one dropped by itself? Gravity pulls everything toward the ground. But a parachute traps air underneath and creates a pushing-back force called air resistance (drag). You cut a large circle from a plastic bag and poke six holes around the edge. Tie six equal strings to the holes. Attach a small toy to the loose ends. Toss the parachute up or drop it from a high spot. The plastic fills with air and the toy floats down gently. Gravity still wins, but air resistance slows the fall.