Creating an Egg Drop Contraption: My First Try

[trrlove]

I was thrilled when I got the Lab Sheet for the Egg Drop! I had seen all of the older kids do it and now it was my chance! It never clicked with me that there were actual concepts and directions in play so that brings me here, making yet ANOTHER egg drop thread!

Basically we are being graded based on:
total wight (minimum)
time aloft (maximum)
accuracy (must hit a target [right below the dropping point])
egg condition

Time Aloft
__________________________ + Egg Condition
Weight x Distance from Target

We will be dropping the contraption off an approx. 7 meter building.

Any piece of wisdom/ information will be extremely helpful! A variation of sources (videos, diagrams, write-ups...) will also be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[anathema]

Dear student,

I'm glad to hear that you are excited about the egg drop experiment! It can be a fun and challenging activity that incorporates important scientific concepts.

In order to maximize your chances of success, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Understand the physics behind the egg drop: The key to a successful egg drop is understanding the principles of gravity, air resistance, and impact forces. The egg will be subjected to these forces as it falls from the building, and your contraption will need to be designed to minimize their effects.

2. Consider the weight and shape of your contraption: As you mentioned, the total weight of your contraption will be taken into account in your grade. Therefore, it's important to find a balance between making your contraption lightweight enough to fall slowly, but also sturdy enough to protect the egg. You may want to experiment with different materials and shapes to find the best combination.

3. Think about air resistance: Air resistance can greatly affect the time aloft of your contraption. You can increase air resistance by adding things like parachutes or feathers to your design. However, be careful not to make your contraption too bulky, as this can also affect its accuracy and distance from the target.

4. Consider the landing surface: The surface that your contraption will land on can also impact the condition of the egg. You may want to test your design on different surfaces to see which one provides the best protection for the egg.

5. Make sure to follow the guidelines: It's important to carefully read and follow the guidelines provided for the experiment. This will ensure that you are meeting all of the criteria for your grade and also ensure the safety of yourself and others.

In addition to these tips, you can also do some research and look for examples of successful egg drop contraptions online. There are many videos, diagrams, and write-ups available that can provide inspiration and ideas for your design.

I wish you the best of luck with your egg drop experiment and hope that these tips will help you achieve a successful outcome!