Egg Drop Engineering Challenge
Design a container to protect a raw egg from a high drop. Engineer, build, test, and redesign — the ultimate STEM challenge that ends with a dramatic splat or save.
What You'll Need
- 1Raw eggs (2-3, in case of redesign)
- 2Straws
- 3Tape (masking and packing)
- 4Rubber bands
- 5Newspaper
- 6Bubble wrap
- 7Cotton balls
- 8Small cardboard box
- 9Scissors
What You'll Need
Raw eggs (2-3 for multiple attempts)
Straws, tape, rubber bands, newspaper, bubble wrap, cotton balls
A small cardboard box
Scissors
A drop location at least 6 feet high (ladder, deck, stairs)
How to Play
"Build a device that protects a raw egg from a 6-foot drop."
Sketch a design first. "What absorbs impact? What cushions?"
Build the device. The egg must fit inside and be retrievable.
Go to the drop point. Build suspense.
Drop. Open the device. Did it survive?
If it broke: "What failed? How would you fix it?"
Redesign and try again with a new egg.
The Engineering Process
This challenge is pure engineering design process: identify the problem (egg breaks), brainstorm solutions (padding, suspension, crumple zones), prototype, test, and iterate. Professional engineers do exactly this — except with car bumpers and spacecraft landing gear. The concept at work is energy absorption: impact energy must be spread out over time and distance to reduce the force on the egg.
Tips
The best designs usually suspend the egg so it doesn't touch the outer walls, and include crumple zones that absorb impact.
Don't give hints on strategy. Let your child's design succeed or fail on its own — both outcomes teach.
Increase the drop height for version 2. Can the design survive a second-story drop?
Do this as a competition between siblings or friends. Different approaches reveal different engineering principles.
A broken egg is not failure — it's data. Ask: "Where did the force break through?" and redesign accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 45 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: raw eggs (2-3, in case of redesign), straws, tape (masking and packing), rubber bands, newspaper, and 4 more items.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Does this need to be done outdoors?
This activity is best done outdoors where kids have space to move and explore.
How difficult is this activity?
This is a more challenging activity that may require advance preparation, special materials, or closer supervision. The extra effort is worth it for the learning experience!
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