The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Egg Drop Challenge - Part 2

Egg Drop Challenge- Part 2 (Building the Egg Containers)

A 4th - 6th grade STEM lesson

Amanda Gowans

February 19

Notes for teachers

• Context: This is part 2 of a 4 part activity.

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• Students may work in small groups of 2-4.

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• Creative solutions should be encouraged.

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• This project based module focuses on the understanding and implementation of the engineering design process. This module will highlight how engineering can benefit society, how engineers use data, and careers in science and engineering.

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Lesson 1- Click here

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List of Materials

• Eggs, uncooked – two eggs per team
• Straws
• Tape
• Scissors
• Balloons, styrofoam popcorn and/or other
• Construction and protection materials
• Painter’s plastic tarp
• Any other approved materials from the teacher

Arizona Science Standards

5.P3U2.5 Define problems and design solutions pertaining to force and motion.

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5.P4U1.6 Analyze and interpret data to determine how and where energy is transferred when objects move.

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Supporting Standards

3-5-ETS1-1 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

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3-5-ETS1-2-Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

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3-5-ETS1-3 -Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

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Objectives:

Today we will build our egg drop protector.

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Today we will work collaboratively on our project.

Agenda (3x 40 Minutes)

Student designs approved by teacher.

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Students will work together to build their egg protector container using the materials they brought in and that were provided for them.

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Drop the eggs during the third 40 minute class period.

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Create a detailed diagram of the design your team will use (include labels, measurements, and any other important information)

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Building time

• Using you materials and your group’s ideas, you need to build a container to safely drop your egg.
• Remember to work together as a group and include everyone.
• Take turns and make sure everyone has a voice in the group.

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Drop time

Upon teacher approval, students will test their models multiple times from different heights.

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Assessment

• Did your egg break when it was dropped or is your egg safe? What did you notice about your egg drop container? What worked? Did anything about it not work? What would you do differently next time?

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• Have students reflect on the questions above with their group.

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Differentiation

One way to differentiate this lesson is to provide students with guiding questions while they are building their containers.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Students can add or revise their models if they have extra time.

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Another option is to have the students devise a container that can safely carry two eggs to the ground.