Design Challenge: Egg Drop

What You Need:

• At least one egg (exact number depends on how many tests you complete)
• A designated location about 10 feet above the ground from which you’ll drop the egg (i.e. top of play structure, balcony)
• Tape or glue
• Scissors
• A variety of arts and crafts materials that your child could potentially use to construct their device (e.g., cotton balls, rubber bands, straws)
• Pen and paper for brainstorming

What You Do:

1. First, fully explain the design challenge to your child. Tell them that their job is to create a device that will protect an egg when it’s dropped from a height of 10 feet. Show them the exact spot from which they will drop the egg.
   1. Make sure your child understands that this prompt is open-ended. There’s not one "correct" way to make the device. Encourage them to be creative!
2. After your child fully understands the challenge, allow them to start brainstorming ideas for the device they want to build. Ask them to write or draw their ideas on a piece of paper.
   1. Feel free to show your child the materials you’re providing so that they know what they’re working with. However, don’t allow them to start building quite yet.
3. Once your child has come up with a few different ideas, ask them to pick the one they think will work best. This will teach your child to prioritize the functionality of their device without getting emotionally attached to their ideas.
4. After your child has chosen a design, allow them to start prototyping (building)! Be sure to supervise for safety purposes, but allow them to work independently as much as possible. Allow them to work through challenges to the best of their ability.
5. Once your child has built their prototype, it’s time to test it. Go to your designated location for the egg drop, and ask your child to use their device.
   1. If your child’s prototype is successful, congratulate them for completing this challenge.
6. If your child’s prototype doesn’t work, it’s important that they don’t get discouraged. Frame the outcome as an opportunity for your child to learn, and help them come up with ideas as to why their design didn’t work. Then, go back to the beginning of this process and help your child come up with a better design.