Testing 1, 2, 3

Purpose: To perform test trials and predict the outcomes of the trials

Materials

• cardboard box
• panty hose, knee high stockings, or long tube socks
• scissors
• raw egg
• meter stick
• markers or paint
• construction paper

Procedure

1. Place the raw egg inside one of the stockings in the middle. See diagram 1.
2. Place the second stocking on a flat surface and lay the first stocking and egg midway on top of the second stocking.
3. Tie the second stocking in a knot around the egg and first stocking. See diagram 2.
4. Find and mark the centers of the four sides of the box.
5. With adult supervision, use the sharp pointed end of the scissors to bore a hole at the points marked. See diagram 3.
6. Place the stockings with the egg inside the box and thread each sock from the inside to the outside of the box.
7. Tie a knot to secure the stockings. See diagram 4.
8. Fold in the top box flaps and decorate the box with markers, paints, or construction paper.
9. Measure a distance of 1 meter from the floor and position the box so that the bottom of the box is at the 1-meter point.
10. Predict if the egg will break when dropped.
11. Drop the box and check to see if the egg broke.
12. If the egg broke, discuss and perform design changes, then test again.
13. If the egg didn't break, measure a distance of 2 meters.
14. Repeat steps 10-12, increasing a meter at a time.
15. Discuss what worked and/or didn't work for your egg box.

Extension

1. Design and create an egg drop apparatus of your own and hold an "Operation Egg Drop Contest" at your school by following these guidelines:
   Invent a package for a raw egg so it can be dropped without breaking from the roof or upper-story window of a tall building. You can package the egg any way you want or attach things to it to slow its descent. However, you can't simply lower the egg on a string or a long stick--it must free-fall to the ground.
2. To design and build an egg drop apparatus of your own, try using these suggested materials: balloons, strings, marshmallows, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, cloth, and string.
3. Test your design. Use the iterative process of design--analyzing your data from each test and redesigning the box until it works.