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Egg Drop Methods

Many American schoolchildren will at some point in their education be presented with the challenge dropping a raw egg from a great height and keeping it from breaking. The egg drop experiment -- a common science assignment -- is designed to encourage students to think critically as well as create and test a hypothesis. There are countless ways to accomplish the egg drop experiment -- here are a few of the more popular methods.
  1. Suspension

    • The suspension method theorizes that a suspended egg has a better chance of surviving the impact of a fall because the egg will not have to endure the shock of hitting the ground. An example would be to take a nylon stocking and tie the egg in the stocking, then attach the stocking within a box or container. Drop the box; the egg is suspended within the box, which should help protect the egg.

    Absorption

    • The absorption method theorizes that a protective layer surrounding the egg will absorb the impact, thereby protecting the egg from breaking. An example would be to take a box and fill it with tissue paper or another soft material and then put the egg in the center of the box. Placing the egg inside a large pillow could also work to absorb the impact of the fall.

    Deceleration

    • The idea behind deceleration is to slow the egg down so that it hits the ground at a much lower speed. Creating a parachute out of a plastic bags would be an example of deceleration. Attaching wings or other flaps to catch the air could also slow the egg down.

    Soften the Shell

    • The theory behind this method is that by softening the shell of the egg, the egg will not shatter upon impact. Soak a raw egg in a solution of vinegar and water in a jar for two days to soften the shell of the egg. Remove the egg from the jar and see if the egg can survive a fall from greater heights now that the shell is soft.

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