This formative serves as a project companion for a STEM activity focused on building a contraption to protect an egg from breaking when dropped. Students will explore principles of gravity, force, design, and engineering through various formative tasks.
What is gravity, and how does it affect falling objects?
Which of the following materials is best known for shock absorption?
What is the purpose of using a parachute in the design?
Research and explain how engineers use design principles to absorb impact during a fall.
Describe one material you researched and its properties that are useful for your design.
A larger surface area can help reduce force on an object during impact.
How will you measure the effectiveness of your initial design?
Outline your step-by-step plan for building the contraption. Include materials and tools needed.
Sketch your initial design for the egg drop contraption, labeling the materials you plan to use.
Which factors are important when testing your design? Select all that apply.
Record the results of your first trial. Did the egg survive?
What adjustments did you make after your first trial?
Input the time it took for your contraption to reach the ground in seconds.
Calculate the average speed of the falling object using the formula
Draw or describe your final design. How did it differ from your initial sketch?
Reflect on the success of your design. What would you do differently in the future?
Summarize your findings and conclusions from the experiment. How did your understanding of the concepts change?