STEM Update May 18

STEM Update May 18

Reverse Egg Drop!

Students – during the next two weeks you'll create, test, and modify a device designed to capture a raw egg dropped from a height without the egg breaking! Super simple, you say? MuWaHaHaHa! Not so fast.

First, you'll be competing for the highest drop without cracking your egg. Second, I'm limiting you on your materials. Sorry, no pillows.

For an example of what a reverse egg drop device is, go to https://ytcropper.com/cropped/tQ59f71b11cd5d5

This blog is simply an overview of the project. Your Microsoft Teams Assignment has more details.

The following is an overview of the steps you will follow to complete this project:

Week One:

1 - Study the materials list (see below). You may use any or all of the materials on the list with no limits, however, you may NOT use materials NOT on the list. Now, I understand not all students will have access to all the materials on the list, however, most you should have most of the materials. I just want you to work with what you have. You don't need to purchase anything.

2 - After you've studied the materials list and have figured out what materials you have and don't have, you will design a device to catch your egg without it breaking. This design will be drawn on paper and submitted through Microsoft Teams. Your design will include what materials you'll be using and why, and must follow all criteria and constraints.

Week Two:

1 - Build and test your egg-catching device as close to your design as possible. Test your design by dropping your eggs at increasing heights. You will submit a photo of your device based on your initial design.

2 - Modify your design as necessary. You may find that your device works in the beginning, but as the egg is dropped from a higher level, you may need to change your design. You will submit a video of you dropping your egg from the highest possible height without it breaking.

Materials List:

You may only use the materials on this list. You may use some or all the items and there is no limit to the amount of items you use:

o Tooth Picks

o String

o Paperclips

o Straws

o Cotton Balls

o Pipe Cleaners

o Rubber Bands

o Balloons

o Plastics Sheets

o Paper (any kind – copy, news, construction)

o Cardboard

Criteria and Constraints

Criteria (what you must do/what must happen).

· Your egg may not crack at all for it to be a successful drop.

· You may keep you egg (recommended) in a sealed plastic bag.

· Your device must be 12 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 12 inches tall (or deep) OR LESS.

· Your egg must free fall. You may not add anything to the egg or plastic bag to create drag.

Constraints (what your limits are)

· You are limited to using only the materials on the materials list (you are not limited to the amount).

·You are limited to two weeks - week one for designing, and week two for building, testing and modifying.

Good luck!