Grade 5: Scientists Test Velocity with Raw Eggs
Science students in Andy Dodge’s class learned about velocity, force and impact before taking on the annual egg drop assignment. Following specific guidelines, students designed devices to protect eggs from a 30-foot fall onto concrete, then waited anxiously for their turn to test out their inventions. The devices must be smaller than 10-inches cubed and use no professional packing material (like bubble wrap), no professional parachutes, and no unsealed foods or liquid.
Science students in Andy Dodge’s class learned about velocity, force and impact before taking on the annual egg drop assignment. Following specific guidelines, students designed devices to protect eggs from a 30-foot fall onto concrete, then waited anxiously for their turn to test out their inventions. The devices must be smaller than 10-inches cubed and use no professional packing material (like bubble wrap), no professional parachutes, and no unsealed foods or liquid.
“You have to think about protection and drag – drag is what slows down the fall,” explains Lauren Frankmore.
She and her partner, Ella Cobb, experimented with a cardboard box filled with a sponge and teddy bear stuffing to insulate their egg from impact. Unfortunately, their egg, “Jose,” did not fare well.
As devices were loaded into The Eggs-Terminator and raised up the flagpole near Center Field, students felt “nervous” or “scared” for their eggs’ safety. When the shoot opens at the top, all eyes are on the quickly descending device. Next comes the loud “oohhhs” and disappointed groans. The device is opened over the “bin of discovery” where the egg is inspected for damage.
Allie Stellor tried inserting her egg, “Jerry," into a tennis ball and then taping large sponges around the ball. After the drop, she declared, “Eggs and hard cement don’t go well together.”
Some students took on the assignment with extra challenges built in. The Stan Fox challenge is named for a former student who inventively used only a parachute and a small Dixie cup to float his egg gracefully to the ground. The other challenge is the Limbo, also known as “How Low Can You Go,” for students who want to try using the smallest device possible that gives the best result. So far, the record is 5-inches cubed.
Remy Guillot wanted more of a challenge, so he went the Stan Fox route. He found that his parachute deployed too late to offer the right amount of drag. Still, his egg landed in its paper cup with only a crack. “I should have used longer strings for a better cushion of air,” he decided.
Carter Anderson was feeling good after his egg survived the fall using a double parachute of paper sheets and a plastic bag. Inside the small cup, his egg was intact. Well done!
No comments have been posted
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
