Egg Drop Rules

​The Great Egg Drop 2024!

Problem:

There is a terrible alien disease at the Mars Base. The United Nations is working to get vitally needed medications into the base. It takes too long and it is too dangerous and slow to land a shuttle so it has been decided that the medications will be air-dropped.

Problem:

You are part of a team of engineers who have been asked to design a container that will protect the medications as they fall to the ground. You will model this problem using a raw egg. There are some volume and mass restrictions for the container and height requirements for the drop. It will be important to work well with your team in analyzing the problem; designing and building and testing your container; and analyzing your results.

Rules- take notes!!!!

The Planetary Lander must be able to fit into a 10 inch x 10inch x 12 inch container and capable of carrying an ‘uncooked’ or raw egg onboard.

The Lander (without the egg) must not weigh in excess of 453 grams but the Lander must weigh more than 113 grams.  

The lander must have legs and a hatch capable of inserting and removing the egg

Rules- take notes!!!!

Parachutes will be allowed on the Lander; however, the diameter of the parachute should not be larger than 10 centimeters.

Rules- take notes!!!!

The Planetary Lander may be constructed of aluminum, wood, plastic, or cardboard/paper.  
The Lander may be constructed with foam variations however the foam may not equal more than 10% of the overall materials.
All forms of aluminum, plastic, wood and soft foam are acceptable. There must be no foam in contact with the egg or plastic bag.

Rules- take notes!!!!

No food products, liquids or bubble wrap are allowed in the construction of the lander or parachute.

Polyester pillow fill/quilting batting is not allowed.  Standard sized cotton balls are allowed however they are limited to 10.  Cotton balls must remain in their original shape so their number can be verified.

Rules- take notes!!!!

Fasteners may include all forms of glue, aluminum wire, aluminum nuts, bolts and screws but cannot make up the main structural features of the Planetary Lander.

NO TAPE!

Rules- take notes!!!!

The Planetary Landers for are scheduled to be dropped from a height of approximately twenty (20) feet onto a concrete landing surface. For maximum points, the Landers must land upright on its legs with the egg intact, and the hatch accessible.

Rules- take notes!!!!

Landers will be weighed prior to being dropped and in the case of a tie by the judges, the lightest Lander will be declared the winner.

Rules- take notes!!!!

Team members will be provided 1 Grade A egg and 1 zip-lock bag (for the egg) on the day from recognized competition officials only.

Do NOT bring your own egg to school. Any team with an egg in their possession will be eliminated from the competition.

Multiple Choice

What is the maximum weight allowed for the Planetary Lander without the egg?

• 113 grams

• 453 grams

• 500 grams

• 300 grams

Multiple Choice

What is the minimum weight required for the Planetary Lander without the egg?

• 100 grams

• 200 grams

• 113 grams

• 453 grams

Multiple Choice

What is the maximum diameter allowed for the parachute on the Planetary Lander?

• 5 centimeters

• 15 centimeters

• 10 centimeters

• 20 centimeters

Multiple Choice

Which of the following materials is NOT allowed in the construction of the Planetary Lander?

• Aluminum

• Wood

• Bubble wrap

• Plastic

Multiple Choice

What is the maximum height from which the Planetary Landers are scheduled to be dropped?

• 10 feet

• 20 feet

• 30 feet

• 40 feet

Multiple Choice

What will happen if a team brings their own egg to school?

• They will receive extra points

• They will be eliminated from the competition, receive a 0, and a referral.

• They will be allowed to use it

• They will be given a warning

Multiple Choice

Are you allowed to bring an egg to school?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

What type of cotton balls are allowed in the construction of the Planetary Lander?

• Polyester pillow fill

• Quilting batting

• Standard sized cotton balls

• Giant cotton pads

Multiple Choice

Can your cotton balls be shredded up?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of the hatch on the Planetary Lander?

• To insert and remove the egg

• To control the landing speed

• To adjust the weight

• To attach the parachute

Multiple Choice

What will be provided to team members on the day of the competition?

• A Grade A egg and a zip-lock bag

• A parachute and a container

• A list of materials and a photo

• A set of instructions and a timer

Multiple Choice

Are you allowed to bring an egg to school?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

What is the maximum size allowed for the project?

• 12inx12inx12in

• 8inx8inx10in

• 10inx10inx12in

• 15inx15inx15in

Multiple Choice

Are you allowed to bring an egg to school?

• Yes

• No

Categorize

Options (15)

aluminum

wood

plastic

cardboard

glue

aluminum wire

10 cotton balls

styrafoam not touchign egg

food

liquids

bubble wrap

cotton pads

pillows

rubber bands

tape

Organize these options into the right categories

Allowed

Not Allowed

Multiple Choice

What is one of the requirements for the project?

• Must have a handle

• Must have some sort of legs

• Must be made of metal

• Must be painted

Multiple Choice

What should you do regularly to ensure the project works well?

• Paint it

• Test drops

• Measure it

• Weigh it

Multiple Choice

How do you want your project to fall on test drops?

• Fast

• Slow

• High

• Low

​Who, What, Where, When????

Who: You may have 1 partner (for a total of 2 in a group) for this project.
What: Limited supplies will be provided in class, for best results bring a box and some construction materials from home
Where: The ENTIRE project must be built in class from Tues-Thurs.
When: We are dropping the Landers on Friday, rain or shine. Be sure you are ready.

​What should I do today?

1. Create a list of supplies you would like to use.

2. Choose who will bring materials. (you don't need to buy things, most things that are already at your house)
   Common materials used
   -small box -straws -plastic wrap -paper plates
   - cotton balls -paper balls -ziplock bags -stapes/glue

   - (I have hot glue for you to use)

3. Draw up your plan,

   1. What will it look like? c. What are the legs made of?

   2. What is the main body made of? d. What holds the egg?