Lesson 5: Egg drop

Which forces will interact with the egg as it falls?
How can I slow the acceleration of the egg as gravity pulls it towards the ground?
How can I distribute force experienced by the egg during the collision with the ground?

Gravity
Acceleration
Drag
Air resistance
Collisions

HS-PS2-3. Apply science and engineering ideas to design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the force on a macroscopic object during a collision.*

Cause and Effect
System models

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

While students have completed several hands on labs to make objects that can mitigate forces to move quickly, this assignment will allow students to construct an object to act to slow acceleration and distribute forces instead.

Flexible Grouping, Student choice, Graphic Organizers, Scaffolded activities, Multiple Assessment Options, Use of rubric, Creating a positive learning environment

Students will be assessed on their visual model of the egg drop and integration of concepts covered throughout the unit.

Hard boiled eggs

Various types of paper, cardboard, foils, plastic wraps

Balloons

Cotton balls

Insulators like bubble wrap

Glue and tape

String, fishing line, or yarn

Reflection sheet