Egg Drop Challenge
Protect a raw egg from breaking by designing a contraption that slows impact.
Materials
- Raw eggs
- Tape
- Straws
- Paper
- Balloons
- Cotton
- Plastic bags
- Box for drop zone
Steps
- Brainstorm designs that increase time to stop and distribute force.
- Build the device; keep egg removable for testing.
- Drop from a safe height into a box or tarp.
- Iterate based on results; document what changed and why.
What’s happening (the science)
- Impulse equals force × time. Increasing stop time lowers peak force.
- Parachutes increase air resistance; crumple zones absorb energy.
Safety & cleanup
- Use a tarp; avoid drops near people.
- Wash hands and surfaces after egg handling.
- Clean up broken shells promptly.
Tip: Extend this activity by asking students to measure, graph, or compare versions (e.g., different designs or variables).