Egg Drop Challenge
Design a protective system so an egg survives a drop and lands near target.
Purpose
Prototype impact protection and stability. Learn momentum, force distribution, and energy absorption used in packaging, drones, and crash safety.
Design Guidelines (Key Properties)
- Elasticity — Use rubber bands, sponges, or balloons to stretch/compress and extend impact duration, reducing peak force (F = Δp/Δt). Suspend the egg with bands or add sponge layers.
- Strength — Create a rigid frame (popsicle sticks/cardboard ribs) so the container keeps shape and directs forces to sacrificial crush zones rather than the egg.
- Lightweight — Lower mass → lower momentum on impact. Use paper straws/foam. Avoid dense materials; aim for high stiffness-to-weight parts only where needed.
Methods (Step-by-Step)
- Design Sketch: Draw a cube/cage with shock absorbers (bands) and a crush layer (paper/foam).
- Materials Selection: Choose 20–30 straws or sticks, tape, rubber bands, paper, scissors. Add a small parachute if allowed.
- Build: Assemble a light frame; suspend the egg using a cross of rubber bands; add outer crumple paper ring.
- Pilot Tests: Drop from 0.5–1 m onto a soft surface; inspect for cracks; reinforce weak joints.
- Final Test: Drop from ≥2 m. Record in slow motion if possible.
- Measurements: Record descent time, impact duration (frames until rest), and distance from target.
- Analysis & Scoring: Discuss which features absorbed energy; compute score per project rules.
- Submission: Upload video/report using the project’s Google Form (button above).
Resources
- Material properties & safety: elasticity, stiffness, density; wear eye protection; adult supervision for heights.
- Impact absorption ideas: layered paper, foam corners, crush straws, elastic suspensions.
- Lab report template: title, sketch, materials (with rationale), methods, observations, analysis, conclusion.