Egg Drop Challenge

This investigation was a stand alone activity in a Year 4-5, mixed ability class, and formed part of the terms work on Chemical Science, (Natural and Processed Materials). The challenge was carried out in 3 sessions across 2 days. Session 1 We began our session discussing the various types of engineers and the importance of their work. Discussed energy absorption and products such as bicycle helmets, air bags, hard hats, parcel packaging. In groups of 3, students brainstormed their ideas for a design to protect an egg from a 1 metre drop onto a bitumen surface. Groups chose 4 items of material from a list of 10, and wrote the reasons that justified their choice. The groups then drew their design, labelling the materials and the design features.

Session 2 The groups had 45 minutes to build their design. They then wrote their prediction of what would happen to the egg when it was dropped and why they believed their design would protect their egg.

Session 3 With the whole class observing, each group completed their egg drop in the playground, and observed the result. Group members each recorded what happened. The students then took time to reflect as group how the properties of their chosen materials and the design of their protection influenced the result of their egg drop.

Reflection This activity really engaged the students, broadened their thinking and understanding about the purpose of engineering and encouraged team skills. During the testing time, the whole class enthusiastically predicted the outcome of the competing groups eggs, stimulating a lot of discussion regarding the various designs and choices of material combinations. Students loved the idea of working with raw eggs and took incredible care of their test pilots!

Links to the AC Science

Science Understanding
Chemical sciences Natural and processed materials have a range of physical properties; These properties can influence their use. (ACSSU074)

Science as a human endeavour

Nature and development of science Science involves making predictions and describing patterns and relationships (ACSHE061) Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena (ACSHE081)

Use and Influence of Science Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions (ACSHE062) Scientific knowledge is used to inform personal and community decisions (ACSHE217)

Science Inquiry Skills

Questioning and predicting With guidance, identify questions in familiar contexts that can be investigated scientifically and predict what might happen based on prior knowledge (ACSIS064) Planning and conducting Safely use appropriate materials, tools or equipment to make and record observations, using formal measurements and digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS066) Reflect on the investigation; including whether a test was fair or not. (ACSIS069)

Processing and analysing data and information Compare results with predictions, suggesting possible reasons for findings (ACSIS216) Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations (ACSIS218) Evaluating Reflect on the investigation; including whether a test was fair or not (ACSIS069) Communicate Represent and communicate ideas and findings in a variety of ways such as diagrams, physical representations and simple reports (ACSIS071)