What are some effective designs for an egg drop project using limited materials?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing a container to safely land a raw egg from a height using limited materials: standard toothpicks, drinking straws, sewing thread, cardboard, and masking tape. The container must weigh less than 30 grams without the egg and must be pre-made. Suggestions include creating a parachute to slow descent or using masking tape to create a sphere to distribute impact, although the latter does not meet the pre-made requirement. Participants emphasize the importance of impact distribution and the feasibility of a parachute with the available materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles related to impact and force distribution
  • Familiarity with basic construction techniques using lightweight materials
  • Knowledge of parachute design and aerodynamics
  • Experience with crafting and assembling structures from everyday materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective parachute designs using lightweight materials
  • Explore impact distribution techniques in engineering
  • Learn about the properties of materials like cardboard and their structural integrity
  • Investigate creative uses of masking tape in construction projects
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students participating in engineering challenges, educators teaching physics concepts, and hobbyists interested in creative problem-solving with limited resources.

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Objective:
Design/construct container to safely land a raw egg when dropped onto pavement from top of bleachers.
Materials:
Standard Toothpicks, Standard Straight Drinking Straws, Standard Sewing Thread, Cardboard, Masking Tape
Requirements:
Egg cannot crack.
Container mass < 30 grams without egg
Must be pre-made where one is able to put the egg given by the teacher into the container.
My considerations:
I am allowed to make a parachute if I would like. I do not know if this is feasible with the given materials. If this is possible, could someone give me insight as to how to approach making a parachute with these materials?

If I do not make a parachute, then my intent must be to distribute the impact as much as possible, since I cannot lessen the impact. Therefore I am considering just using 30 grams of masking tape to make a huge sphere to put around the egg. Would this be a bad idea?

Does anyone have suggestions for the best way to approach this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The tape idea wouldn't meet the condition of being pre-made.

Have you tried looking on the web for ideas?
 

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