Designing a way to drop an egg from a height without it breaking can be a fun and educational project! Here are some supplies and ideas to help protect your egg:
Supplies
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Container: Some sort of outer container to hold and protect the egg. This could be:
- A cardboard box
- A plastic container or bottle
- A lightweight shipping envelope
- A small basket
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Cushioning Materials: These will help absorb the impact:
- Bubble wrap
- Foam padding (e.g., from old packing materials)
- Crumpled newspaper or paper towels
- Cotton balls or fabric scraps
- Packing peanuts
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Structural Support: To help stabilize the egg during the fall:
- Straws (to create a framework)
- Popsicle sticks (to build a cage or supports)
- Tape (to secure the egg and the cushioning materials together)
- Rubber bands (to hold things in place)
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Weight: You may want to consider adding some weight to reduce the fall speed:
- Small stones
- Sand
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Miscellaneous:
- Scissors (to cut materials)
- Ruler or measuring tape (to measure dimensions)
- Markers (for labeling and decoration)
Design Ideas
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The Parachute: Create a parachute using a lightweight plastic bag or fabric secured to four straws; attach the egg to the bottom of the parachute.
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The Egg Cradle: Create a “cradle” for the egg using a combination of soft padding (like foam or bubble wrap) and a rigid structure (like a box or basket). Make sure the egg is surrounded on all sides.
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Suspension System: Use straws to create a cage with extra cushioning. Suspend the egg in the center using soft materials to absorb shock.
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Cushioned Container: Fill the bottom of a small box with soft materials (like cotton balls or crumpled paper) and nestle the egg in a secure position. Make sure the top is also cushioned.
Testing
Before you do the final drop, it would be a good idea to conduct a few test drops from lower heights to refine your design. Ensure the egg stays secure and experiment with different amounts of cushioning until you find the optimal setup.
Good luck with your project; have fun building your egg protector!