Egg Drop Design Challenge: Straws, Index Cards and Hot Glue

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around designing an egg drop contraption using only plastic drinking straws, index cards, and hot glue. Participants explore design ideas while adhering to specific constraints, including size limitations and the requirement for a door.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for design ideas within the constraints of using straws, index cards, and hot glue, noting the size limitation of 4x4 inches and the need for a door.
  • Another participant suggests reviewing existing threads on egg drop designs for inspiration.
  • There is a humorous exchange about the potential prize and whether part of it would be donated to the forum.
  • Participants clarify that there is no limit on the number of straws that can be used, which some find makes the challenge easier.
  • A suggestion is made to cut the straws to 4 inches and construct a block with horizontal straws, incorporating a round hole for the egg and using index cards as stabilizing fins.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the constraints of the project and the materials allowed, but there are differing opinions on the difficulty of the challenge based on the number of straws that can be used.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the existing threads, and there may be additional design considerations or strategies that have not been discussed yet.

njuice8
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Hi, I have to make the classic egg drop contraption but we're only allowed to use plastic drinking straws, index cards, and hot glue.
the width also has to be smaller than 4x4 inches but it can be as tall as we want it to be (but preferably small)
and it has to have a door of some sort?
Anyone have any ideas for the design?
thanks!
 
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Did you read the 135 existing threads (I counted) on egg drops? If not, that's a good start. If so, what ideas did that give you that you have questions about?
 
Will you donate part of your prize to PF if you win? :-p
 
njuice8 said:
we're only allowed to use plastic drinking straws
how many?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Did you read the 135 existing threads (I counted) on egg drops? If not, that's a good start. If so, what ideas did that give you that you have questions about?

Hi, sorry I didn't check yet
But i'll check it right away!
Thanks for the tip :)
 
jtbell said:
Will you donate part of your prize to PF if you win? :-p

Haha I wish
But it's just a project for physics class :/
 
A.T. said:
how many?

We can use as many as we want
 
njuice8 said:
We can use as many as we want
That’s too easy.
 
A.T. said:
That’s too easy.

The thing is that the smaller and lighter it is, we get more points.
and the whole thing can't have a bigger width than 4x4inch which is pretty small...
 
  • #10
njuice8 said:
The thing is that the smaller and lighter it is, we get more points.
and the whole thing can't have a bigger width than 4x4inch which is pretty small...

Cut the straws to 4inch and glue them like this:

dep_6946686-Gray-PVC-tubes-plastic-pipes-stacked-in-rows.jpg


You can build a tall 4x4x... block with the straws horizontal. Cut a round hole on top of the block for the egg. Use the cards as fins to stabilize it flight, so it doesn't flip.
 

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