Egg drop experiment design project

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SUMMARY

The egg drop experiment design project challenges students to create a protective container for an egg that can withstand a 20-foot drop. The project emphasizes creativity and problem-solving within a strict 30-minute time limit. Suggested materials include cotton, foam, carton boxes, wire for exo-skeletons, rubber bands for suspension systems, bubble wrap, plastic bags for parachutes, and thread or thin rope for additional support. The goal is to provide a variety of materials to encourage innovative designs while avoiding overly simplistic solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles related to impact and force.
  • Familiarity with design thinking and prototyping methodologies.
  • Knowledge of materials and their properties (e.g., cushioning, structural integrity).
  • Experience with time management in project-based learning environments.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective materials for impact absorption in engineering projects.
  • Explore design thinking frameworks to enhance student creativity.
  • Investigate successful egg drop experiment case studies for inspiration.
  • Learn about project management techniques to optimize time-limited challenges.
USEFUL FOR

Educators, STEM program coordinators, and anyone involved in hands-on learning projects aimed at fostering creativity and engineering skills among students.

kcasali
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I have to design an egg drop experiment for a teaching project. I'll describe the project and how everything works, then the students have about half an hour to create a container to shelter the egg so that it doesn't break from a fall of about 20 feet. The sticking point is the time limit. I obviously want them to build contraptions that will work, but I don't know what materials to give them for them to build it in that short of a time without making it TOO easy (like giving them a box and cotton balls; they'd know exactly what to do with it, and wouldn't have to work for it at all). Any ideas?
 
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I had a teacher that did the same project exept he asked us to use our own materials from home. I had a friend who used chopsticks, it failed horribly.
 
I know someone who used put the egg in a plastic peanut butter case, and the peanut butter protected the egg.
 
If you offer only two materials, they will surely know what to do ...the only thing to do...offer them a bunch of things!

cotton
foam
carton box
wire (exo-skeleton)
rubber bands (exo-skeleton suspension system)
bubble wrap
plastic bag (parachute idea)
thread or thin rope (parachute idea)

etc, etc
 

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