Teaching Engineering Design with an Egg Drop
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
2-3 students
Active Time
3-4 hours
Total Time
3-4 hours
Area of Science
Mechanical Engineering
Space Exploration
Key Concepts
force, energy, engineering design
Learning Objectives
- Do background research, brainstorm, and prototype an egg drop design
- Iteratively test and improve the design
- Communicate information about the design process
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
![]() OverviewThe egg drop project is a time-honored tradition in many science classrooms. Students build a device to protect an egg and prevent it from breaking when dropped. This project typically relates to lessons about Newton's laws of motion or potential and kinetic energy. However, it is also a great way for students to practice the engineering design process, and learn about the importance of design iteration and learning from failure. NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]()
Reviews |
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
2-3 students
Active Time
3-4 hours
Total Time
3-4 hours
Area of Science
Mechanical Engineering
Space Exploration
Key Concepts
force, energy, engineering design
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
Learning Objectives
Teacher Tool Box
|
Explore Our Science Videos
Make Your Own Lava Lamp
|
Walking Water Experiment
|
Paper Rockets - STEM Activity
|