Egg Drop Challenge
PKS Middle School, Winter 2020
In this classic project, our students learned the basics of Newton's laws of motion, they learned how to use the F = m(a) formula to calculate force, and they learned terms like velocity, acceleration, conservation of energy, and distribution of forces.
They were then given recycled materials and asked to design a contraption that would protect an egg from shattering after a 30 foot drop.
In the end, students created slide shows explaining the physical and mathematical principles that informed their design. And an ultimate winner was determined through a formula that awarded points for contraptions that were lighter, used fewer materials, created the longest descent time, landed the egg within a target, and-- of course-- still keep the egg whole.
Tinkering and Design - the challenge begins
From the classroom to the blacktop
6th graders go to test their parachute designs. . .
Not bad!
A failed design
Taking notes/ making calculations
After the first set of drops, students make observations, suggestions, and come up with new theories.
Applying observations and theories to new designs. . .
After iterating and working to apply new concepts, our students went back out for a second day of drops. . . tension ran high as each contraption plummeted towards the earth. Would the eggs survive?!?
Some eggs made it. . . others did not.
Very special thanks to 王先生 for braving the cherry picker and dropping the eggs!