Egg Drop Physics

The Egg Drop Experiment is a fun and dramatic way to get students engaged in physics and engineering design. There are several physics lessons that you can tie to this experiment depending on the grade level that you are instructing.   The introductory lessons to the physics concepts is a great time to break out your teaching model repertoires! By using different models of instruction,  you can ensure that all students will have the prospect of  building a successful structure. 

Egg Drop Overview:

The object of this experiment is for students to design the lightest structure that packages an egg, allowing it to fall from a considerable height without breaking.

Rules: 

1. No kits or pre-made designs may be used.  The structure must be the individual's invention.
2. Structure may no bigger than 6"x 6"x 6"
3. You may not coat the egg with any type of material.  In other words, the packing may not be fused to the egg.
4. No Parachutes!!!
5. No propulsion system may be used.
6. The structure may not have wings.
7. Balloons or Ballon type devices my only be inflated by human breathe. No helium!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner:

The lightest total structure weight that prevents the egg from breaking will be declared the winner!! In case of a tie, the winner will be selected based on design concept.

Though the experiment sounds elementary, there are several aspects of physics that should be taken into consideration. The physics concepts behind this experiment are potential and kinetic energy, momentum and impulse, and acceleration and free fall.  

Have Fun!!!