Humankind began space exploration in the last century. Successful missions, failed missions, but most importantly the process of discovery and invention. The goal of this project is that students can solve a problem and present the best solutions. Safely land an egg!

In real life, launching a space probe to another planet involves a series of challenges that include the math of travel, the rigors of crossing the space exposed to the solar wind, the ergonomics of the spacecraft, the ability to land and transmit information safely, the cost of materials that can be used for the most efficient design. So this smaller project aims to involve students in the mission of developing a spacecraft that can land an egg safely.

Supplies

The completion of this project will enable students to develop ingenuity, costing, problem solving and teamwork skills.

Step 1: The Challenge

Today's mission is to land an egg safely! To do this the following parameters must be met: the free fall is made from 2 meter height, the construction of the project must be within the cost limit, after landing a mission is considered successful if egg is not broken.

Step 2: Necessary Materials

One egg per team
One scissors per team
Plastic cups
Cotton balls
Straws
Scotch tape
Plastic bags
Aluminum foil
Woolen yarn
Bubble wrap
Wooden sticks

Step 3: Before Starting the Activity With the Students

You should already have all materials separated and prepared for the activity. Each team consists of four elements. Each team is given a mission sheet (pdf available for download) with the challenge instructions, rules and price list of the materials to use.

List and material cost:

1 - Egg (Free)

2 - Plastic bag (250 000€)

3 - Aluminium Foil 30x20 (50 000€)

4 - Bubble Wrap 30x20 (250 000€)

5 - Woolen yard 10cm (50 000€)

6 - Cotton balls - Per cup (250 000€)

7 - Straws - Per straw (100 000€)

8 - Plastic Cup - Per cup (500 000€)

9 - Scotch tape 10cm (50 000€)

10 - Wooden sticks - Per stick (100 000€)

mission_sheet.pdf
Download

Step 4: Start the Challenge

For two hours students will be able to design and test the safest module to safely land the egg.

Step 5: Safety Landing

After the two hours have elapsed, the teacher should designate someone who will ensure that all launches are made under similar conditions. Happy landing!

Step 6: Conclusion and Final Notes

Conclusion:

You can achieve a successful mission with different designs and different costs. The big goal is to get students to develop problem solving skills by creating solutions.

Final Notes:
Other materials can be added, set new cost limits, new challenges for even more demanding missions.

This is an activity that can be done from 5th to 12th grade. The teacher may choose to add to this challenge some of the main concepts of physics, such as air resistance, etc.

And yes, use raw eggs!

Introduction: EggLander