6th Graders Drop Eggs to Learn Physics

6th grade students in Nemanja Cetic's science classes recently completed a mini-physics unit designed to teach them about impact, force, drag, and other concepts. Working in teams of three, students were tasked with designing a device to carry an egg safely down with a 'parachute' when dropped from distances of 5 and 8 feet. Each team received the same materials (plastic straws, craft sticks, cardstock, paper cup, bubble wrap, coffee filters, string, rubber bands, tape, a zipper bag and and a raw egg) and set about working on their design. To prevent egg breakage, they focused on two of the following: spreading the force, changing the impact time, or slowing the fall. They then tested their devices from a 5-foot drop, making adjustments and perhaps bringing in the spare egg each team was allotted if theirs broke. The final test was an 8-foot drop with scoring based on whether the egg survived, received a small or large crack, or was determined to be 'scrambled.' Other score inputs were design reasoning, build quality, and teamwork/cleanup. The Science 6-1 winning team was Ellie, Alex and Everett. Science 6-2 winners were Eleanor, Rory, and Isaiah.