Egg Drop Soup

Cassie's 8th grade science class had an end of the year Egg Drop Project in which they had to design a container for a single egg that would be dropped from the top of the school football bleachers.

The container had to use certain criteria (no "padding" or wings, had to be less than 12" wide, etc.) After several brainstorming sessions (including one involving her uncle Mike at The Library) Cassie came up with "The Sphere". The Sphere was created from a styrofoam ball hollowed out, encased in Dixie cups for force distribution and air resistance. The egg was suspended in the center of the sphere by a nylon hose.

After assembling the package on Monday night, Cassie & I performed a test run on the church front lawn. It failed. But after discussing possible improvements, Cassie pressed on and took The Sphere to school for The Egg Drop Tuesday afternoon. We ventured by the school to check out how it went. The teacher saved Cassie's for one of the last to be dropped (it was one of the coolest looking designs). After several promising drops from other students' designs, and a few very disheartening crashes, slams and splooshes (one used water as a cushioning system) it was Cassie's turn.

We held our breath. The Sphere plummeted to earth. Cassie timidly cracked it open to examine the damage... and plucked the perfect unbroken egg from within! The Sphere was a success!

Thanks to Mike from some inspiration and Sir Isaac Newton, without whom we wouldn't have these silly projects at school!