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20 Incredibly Creative Egg Drop Activity Ideas

March 30, 2023 //  by  Rachel Cruz

Get ready for an egg-citing adventure with the ultimate egg drop challenge! Engage your students and boost their creativity with 20 fun and innovative egg-drop activities. These egg drop designs will challenge your students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills; from designing a simple structure using only paper and tape to constructing a cardboard box or any other type of container. So, gather your supplies, get cracking, and see who can build the most egg-celent contraption!

1. Rubber Band Egg Drop

The egg bungee activity is a physics experiment where participants predict and test how many rubber bands are needed to safely drop an egg without it cracking upon touching the ground. 

Learn More: Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

2. Bombs Away

Bombs away are the ultimate STEM activity for students of all ages. Students can access various materials, including tape, cardboard, foam, paper, cotton balls, rubber bands, and more. With limited resources, students must use creativity to engineer their egg-protecting contraptions.

Learn More: Teach Engineering

3. Crash Car

Crash Cars is a fun and educational project where students get to design their own protection devices for real eggs to prevent them from touching the ground during a simulated accident. 

Learn More: STEM-Inventions

4. Coffee Filter Parachutes

The coffee filter parachute is a fun activity where students design and build egg parachutes using inexpensive materials. The goal is to make each parachute float back to the ground, with the parachute catching air, rather than crashing to the ground.

Learn More: JDaniel 4’s Mom

5. Humpty Dumpty

The Humpty Dumpty Science activity is a popular STEM activity for kids that predict whether a hard-boiled egg, represented by a drawn face resembling Humpty Dumpty, will crack when dropped from a table onto a variety of materials such as feathers, cotton balls, and bubble wrap. 

Learn More: I Heart Crafty Things

The Egg Drop activity with helmets is a demonstration that shows kids the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet. Students use three eggs to simulate the effects of falling from different heights with and without a helmet. The activity helps students understand how helmets protect the brain from injury.

Learn More: Raising Arizona Kids

7. Balloon Eggs

Balloon egg drops are a fun and educational activity for kids that involves creating a protective device for an egg using only a few materials, like balloons and tape. Once completed, kids can drop their egg from a height and see if their contraption protects it from breaking.

Learn More: Science Sparks

This project is a fun way to learn about physics and engineering while getting creative with different designs made from straws. All you need are straws, tape, and an egg, and your students can build a contraption that protects their egg from cracking when dropped from a height. 

Learn More: Sciencing

9. Paper Protection

The paper-only egg drop challenge prompts learners to design and build a container to protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height. The catch is that the main element in their design must be made of paper. 

Learn More: iGame Mom

10. Cardboard Enclosures

Design and build a protective enclosure for an egg using the provided materials in this awesome kit! Students will explore with an industry-standard drop test to explore physics concepts. The kit includes a cardboard box, foam, bubble wrap, a corrugated pad, plastic bags, and an instruction pamphlet.

Learn More: Ada Fruit

11. Fun Physics 

This fun physics activity is a cool experiment for kids of all ages. Students will balance an egg or fruit on a tube placed on a plate and then whack the plate out of the way so that the egg drops straight into a glass of water.

Learn More: Just A Mum’s Kitchen

12. Sponges

Discover the science behind falling objects with a sponge egg drop experiment! Can you keep an egg from cracking when it falls from a high place? Who will have the most successful design? Let the egg-drop challenge begin!

Learn More: Green Kid Crafts

13. Plastic Bag Parachutes

The plastic bag egg drop is a fun and educational activity that can be used in the classroom to teach students about physics and engineering. After reading books like “Horton Hatches an Egg”, students can be challenged to create an egg drop that floats as it does in the story.

Learn More: There’s Just One Mommy

14. Marshmallows

The marshmallow egg drop challenge is a fun and engaging activity for teachers to use in the classroom to teach students about engineering and problem-solving. In this specific version of the challenge, students can use various materials, such as mini marshmallows, playdough, and oobleck to protect their eggs. 

Learn More: 123 Homeschool 4 Me

15. Egg Ships

This egg drop experiment challenges high school students to design a ship using limited materials to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from different heights. It’s a fun and engaging way to teach students about trial and error and engineering design.

Learn More: Cool Science Dad

16. Cotton Balls

Cotton ball egg drops make for an astonishing experiment! Wrapping an egg tightly in cotton balls protects it from breaking when it’s dropped or shaken. With some creativity, you can explore how different amounts of cotton wool and different container sizes affect the egg’s survival rate.

17. Bubble Wrap

Protect your eggs with bubble wrap! Find out which type of bubble wrap provides the best protection by dropping eggs wrapped in different kinds of bubble wrap from a high place. Will oversized bubbles or square bubbles work better than standard-sized bubbles? Time to find out!

Learn More: Education

18. Toilet Paper Rolls

This is a fun challenge for students to create a device using inexpensive materials to protect an egg from cracking upon impact with the ground. The project teaches the basics of science and encourages innovative thinking.

Learn More: Science Struck

19. Water Bags

Get ready for an egg-citing adventure with water bag egg drops! In this engineering activity, students will create a device that protects an egg from cracking upon impact with the ground. Here’s the twist- the egg must be packaged in a water-filled bag!

Learn More: Oregon State

20. Extreme Turkeys Egg Drop

In turkey egg drops, students will decorate an egg to look like a turkey and then create a protective home using the materials available. The turkey eggs are then dropped from the top of a ladder and the students see which ones survive the fall without cracking.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

40 Innovative Egg Drop Project Ideas Without Breaking

Discover creative egg drop project ideas without breaking. Explore fun and innovative ways to tackle this exciting science challenge!

Are you up for some fun? The egg drop project is like a cool science challenge where you try to keep your egg safe when it falls. It’s kind of like a fun puzzle that lets you get creative! Whether you’re a curious student into science or a teacher looking for a cool project, we’ve got some neat ideas to share. Let’s jump in and figure out how to make sure that egg stays in one piece!

Table of Contents

Egg Drop Project Ideas Without Breaking PDF

Understanding the physics behind egg drops.

Key Concepts for the Egg Drop Project

• Definition: The push or pull that changes an object’s motion.
• In This Project: Gravity pulls the egg down.
• Definition: The collision between the egg and the ground.
• Effect: Transfers energy that can crack the egg.
• Definition: The egg’s resistance to changes in motion.
• Goal: Design to overcome this resistance and protect the egg.

Why Shock Absorption is Crucial?

• Purpose: Reduces the impact force on the egg.
• Materials: Use foam or bubble wrap to absorb shock effectively.

Choosing the Right Materials

• Strength: Can handle impact without breaking.
• Flexibility: Absorbs and deforms to spread out energy.
• Weight: Lightweight to keep the design easy to handle.
• Shape: Affects shock absorption effectiveness.

By focusing on these basics, you can create a better egg drop design.

Egg Drop Project Ideas Without Breaking

Check out egg drop project ideas without breaking

Structure-Based Designs

• Description : Build a multi-layered cardboard structure with reinforced corners.
• Difficulty Level : Medium
• Skills Required : Basic construction, creativity
• Tools Required : Scissors, glue, cardboard boxes
• Duration : 1-2 hours
• Resources : Cardboard, glue, tape
• Description : Create a multi-compartment container using styrofoam.
• Difficulty Level : Easy
• Skills Required : Basic assembly
• Tools Required : Scissors, styrofoam, tape
• Duration : 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Resources : Styrofoam sheets or containers, tape
• Description : Construct a cradle using cut plastic bottles for cushioning.
• Skills Required : Basic engineering, creativity
• Tools Required : Scissors, plastic bottles, tape
• Resources : Plastic bottles, tape, glue
• Description : Design a layered shield using multiple egg crates.
• Tools Required : Scissors, egg crates, glue
• Duration : 1 hour
• Resources : Egg crates, glue, tape
• Description : Build a protective structure using foam blocks.
• Skills Required : Basic construction
• Tools Required : Foam blocks, glue
• Resources : Foam blocks, glue
• Description : Create a protective box using paper mache layers.
• Skills Required : Paper mache skills
• Tools Required : Paper, glue, balloons
• Duration : 2-3 hours
• Resources : Paper, glue, balloons
• Description : Construct a wooden frame with padding inside.
• Skills Required : Basic woodworking
• Tools Required : Wood, nails, padding
• Duration : 2 hours
• Resources : Wood, nails, padding
• Description : Design a cage using metal wire to protect the egg.
• Skills Required : Basic wire working
• Tools Required : Metal wire, pliers
• Resources : Metal wire, pliers
• Description : Build a frame using PVC pipes with padding.
• Skills Required : Basic PVC assembly
• Tools Required : PVC pipes, connectors, padding
• Resources : PVC pipes, connectors, padding
• Description : Create a cushioned protective layer using aluminum foil.
• Skills Required : Basic wrapping
• Tools Required : Aluminum foil, tape
• Duration : 30 minutes
• Resources : Aluminum foil, tape

Suspension Designs

• Description : Surround the egg with inflated balloons secured in a net.
• Tools Required : Balloons, tape, netting
• Resources : Balloons, tape, netting
• Description : Suspend the egg using a web of strings attached to a central point.
• Skills Required : Knots and suspension techniques
• Tools Required : String, scissors
• Resources : String, scissors
• Description : Design a flexible support using a network of rubber bands.
• Tools Required : Rubber bands
• Resources : Rubber bands
• Description : Create a box with an egg suspended inside using strings.
• Tools Required : Box, strings, tape
• Resources : Box, strings
• Description : Use elastic bands to create a bouncy suspension system.
• Tools Required : Elastic bands, container
• Resources : Elastic bands, container
• Description : Build a net using fabric or mesh to suspend the egg.
• Skills Required : Basic sewing or knotting
• Tools Required : Fabric or mesh, thread or string
• Resources : Fabric or mesh, thread
• Description : Create a sling using cloth to suspend the egg.
• Skills Required : Basic sewing
• Tools Required : Cloth, thread
• Resources : Cloth, thread
• Description : Utilize springs to suspend and absorb impact for the egg.
• Skills Required : Basic engineering
• Tools Required : Springs, hooks
• Resources : Springs, hooks
• Description : Suspend the egg inside a foam-filled container.
• Tools Required : Foam, container
• Resources : Foam, container
• Description : Use magnets to suspend the egg in a container.
• Difficulty Level : High
• Skills Required : Advanced engineering
• Tools Required : Magnets, metal parts
• Resources : Magnets, metal parts

Air-Based Designs

• Description : Construct a cushion of air by inflating plastic bags or balloons.
• Tools Required : Plastic bags, tape, air pump
• Resources : Plastic bags, tape
• Description : Wrap the egg in multiple layers of bubble wrap for cushioning.
• Tools Required : Bubble wrap, tape
• Resources : Bubble wrap, tape
• Description : Create a box with air-filled cushions inside.
• Tools Required : Plastic bags, tape
• Description : Design an inflatable envelope using plastic or rubber.
• Tools Required : Plastic or rubber, air pump
• Resources : Plastic or rubber, air pump
• Description : Create pockets of air around the egg using inflated balloons.
• Tools Required : Balloons, tape
• Resources : Balloons, tape
• Description : Combine foam padding with air-filled pockets for protection.
• Tools Required : Foam, plastic bags, tape
• Resources : Foam, plastic bags
• Description : Wrap the egg in multiple layers of blown-up balloons.
• Description : Place the egg inside an air-filled tube for impact absorption.
• Tools Required : Tube, air pump
• Resources : Tube, air pump
• Description : Design an inflatable pouch to hold and protect the egg.
• Tools Required : Inflatable pouch material, air pump
• Resources : Inflatable pouch material, air pump
• Description : Create a cradle with multiple air pockets to absorb shock.
• Tools Required : Air pockets, cradle material
• Resources : Air pockets, cradle material

Combination Designs

• Description : Combine cardboard, balloons, and bubble wrap for enhanced protection.
• Skills Required : Advanced creativity, engineering
• Tools Required : Cardboard, balloons, bubble wrap, tape
• Resources : Various materials
• Description : Develop a unique solution combining elements from multiple categories.
• Skills Required : Advanced problem-solving, creativity
• Tools Required : Various materials based on concept
• Duration : Variable
• Description : Use layers of different materials like bubble wrap, foam, and cardboard.
• Skills Required : Advanced assembly
• Tools Required : Bubble wrap, foam, cardboard, tape
• Description : Combine suspension with air cushioning techniques.
• Tools Required : Strings, balloons, padding
• Resources : Strings, balloons, padding
• Description : Create a hybrid protection system using bubble wrap and balloons.
• Tools Required : Bubble wrap, balloons, tape
• Resources : Bubble wrap, balloons
• Description : Use a combination of foam and cardboard for a robust protective design.
• Tools Required : Foam, cardboard, glue
• Resources : Foam, cardboard
• Description : Create a protection system using a combination of string suspension and bubble wrap.
• Tools Required : String, bubble wrap
• Resources : String, bubble wrap
• Description : Design a shield using both cardboard and inflated balloons.
• Tools Required : Cardboard, balloons, tape
• Resources : Cardboard, balloons
• Description : Wrap the egg in a combination of bubble wrap and styrofoam for added protection.
• Tools Required : Bubble wrap, styrofoam, tape
• Resources : Bubble wrap, styrofoam
• Description : Combine elastic bands with foam padding to create a flexible cradle.
• Tools Required : Elastic bands, foam
• Resources : Elastic bands, foam

Egg Drop Project Ideas Without Breaking Easy

Check out egg drop project ideas with breaking easy:-

Basic Protection Designs

• Wrap the egg in several layers of bubble wrap.
• Tools : Bubble wrap, tape.
• Duration : 15 minutes.
• Place the egg in a small cardboard box with padding.
• Tools : Cardboard, padding (e.g., paper or foam), tape.
• Duration : 30 minutes.
• Put the egg inside a styrofoam cup or container.
• Tools : Styrofoam container, tape.
• Surround the egg with cotton balls inside a container.
• Tools : Cotton balls, container, tape.
• Place the egg inside a plastic bag filled with air.
• Tools : Plastic bag, air pump.

Creative Designs

• Construct a frame around the egg using straws taped together.
• Tools : Straws, tape.
• Wrap the egg in multiple layers of tissue paper.
• Tools : Tissue paper, tape.
• Build a paper mache shell around the egg.
• Tools : Paper, glue.
• Duration : 1-2 hours.
• Surround the egg with foam padding inside a container.
• Tools : Foam, container, tape.
• Inflate balloons around the egg for cushioning.
• Tools : Balloons, tape.

Materials and Tools

Here’s a modified version of your list, streamlined for clarity:

Common Materials

• Cardboard : Ideal for making boxes and structures.
• Styrofoam : Provides cushioning and insulation.
• Plastic Bottles : Useful for creating containers or structures.
• Plastic Wrap : Creates air pockets or covers materials.
• Rubber Bands : Secure materials or create suspension systems.
• Tape : Attaches materials together.
• Glue : Creates strong bonds between materials.
• Paper : Adds extra layers of protection.
• Cotton Balls : Cushions and fills gaps.
• Bubble Wrap : Absorbs shock.
• Scissors : For cutting materials.
• Tape Measure : For measuring and planning.
• Marker : For labeling and marking.
• Ruler : For precise measurements.

Safety Considerations

• Wear safety glasses when cutting materials.
• Handle sharp objects like scissors with care.
• Keep your workspace clear and organized.

Choosing the right materials and tools is crucial for creating a successful and innovative egg drop design.

Building and Testing the Egg Drop

Check out the best tips for building and testing the egg drop:-

Construction Process

• Draw a blueprint or diagram of your design.
• Cut and shape materials based on your plan.
• Build your egg drop device, making sure all parts are securely attached.
• Carefully position the egg inside the protective structure.

Testing and Refinement

• Test from a low height to find potential issues.
• Observe and record the egg’s condition and the device’s performance.
• Adjust your design based on test results.
• Continuously test and refine until the design meets your goals.

Safety Precautions

• Test in a Safe Area : Ensure you’re in a clear, open space.
• Wear Protective Gear : Use safety glasses during testing.
• Mind the Drop Height : Be cautious with how high you drop your device.
• Watch the Landing Surface : Ensure it’s suitable to avoid damage.

Tips for Success

• Collaborate : Work with others to brainstorm and share tasks.
• Experiment : Use different materials and designs to find the best solution.
• Document : Keep track of your design process, test results, and changes.
• Be Creative : Explore unique and unconventional approaches.

By following these streamlined steps and integrating creativity, you can build an effective and successful egg drop device.

Tips for a Successful Egg Drop Project

Check out the tips for a successful egg drop project:-

Design and Construction Tips

• Start Simple : Begin with a basic design.
• Test Materials : Try different materials.
• Balance Weight : Evenly distribute weight.
• Absorb Shock : Use impact-absorbing materials.
• Consider Aerodynamics : Factor in air resistance for higher drops.
• Start Low : Test from low heights.
• Document Results : Record outcomes and observations.
• Iterate : Adjust and retest.
• Collaborate : Get input from others.

Additional Tips

• Prioritize Safety : Wear gear and test safely.
• Be Creative : Try unique designs.
• Learn from Failures : Analyze and improve.
• Have Fun : Enjoy the process.

These tips will help you design an effective and enjoyable egg drop project.

Safety Precautions with egg drop project ideas without breaking

Check out the safety precautions with egg drop project ideas with breaking:-

• Wear Goggles : Protect eyes with safety goggles .
• Use a Clear Area : Drop in an open, safe space.
• Handle Tools Carefully : Be cautious with sharp objects.
• Supervise : Have an adult oversee the project.
• Clean Up : Dispose of materials properly.

These steps will help keep everyone safe during the egg drop project.

Remember, safety first for a successful egg drop project!

How do you make an egg drop without cracking it?

Check out the best tips to make an egg drop with cracking it:-

Protection and Cushioning

• Bubble Wrap: Wrap the egg for shock absorption.
• Foam: Use packing peanuts or styrofoam.
• Cotton Balls: Create a soft nest.
• Cardboard: Build a protective box.

Distribution of Force

• Wide Base: Increase stability.
• Shock Absorbers: Use rubber bands or springs.
• Air Cushioning: Add balloons or plastic bags.
• Experiment: Try different materials.
• Iterate: Adjust based on tests.
• Vary Heights: Test from different heights.

Absorb shocks and spread impact to protect your egg.

How to make a successful egg drop project?

Success Tips for Your Egg Drop Project

Understanding the Physics

• Shock Absorption: Use bubble wrap, foam, or cotton.
• Force Distribution: Spread force to minimize pressure.
• Aerodynamics: Consider air resistance.

Design Considerations

• Protection: Build a sturdy outer shell.
• Cushioning: Add soft materials.
• Stability: Ensure the design is balanced.
• Weight Distribution: Evenly distribute weight.
• Experiment: Try different materials and designs.
• Data Collection: Record results.
• Iterate: Adjust based on test outcomes.
• Teamwork: Collaborate and share ideas.
• Creativity: Think of unique solutions.
• Safety: Wear protective gear and test safely.
• Documentation: Track your process and results.

Focus on planning, testing, and creativity for a successful egg drop.

What is the best design for an egg drop?

Check out the best design for an egg drop:-

Effective Egg Drop Designs

• Cardboard Box Fortress: Use a sturdy box with plenty of cushioning inside.
• Styrofoam Cradle: Molded styrofoam offers excellent shock absorption.
• Balloon Cushion: Inflate multiple balloons around the egg for an air cushion.
• Straw Structure: Build a framework with straws to spread impact force.
• Parachute System: Use a parachute to slow the egg’s descent.

Key Considerations

• Weight Distribution: Evenly distribute the egg’s weight.
• Shock Absorption: Use materials that absorb impact well.
• Stability: Ensure the design doesn’t tip over.
• Aesthetics: A well-designed appearance can be a bonus.

The best design protects the egg effectively. Experiment and use creativity with a good grasp of physics to succeed.

In conclusion, creating an egg drop contraption is all about getting creative and having fun while learning. By using materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and cardboard, and considering factors like drop height and descent slowing, students can design contraptions that protect their eggs from breaking.

Through testing and tweaking their designs, students not only meet the challenge of the egg drop but also learn valuable lessons in physics and engineering. So, grab some materials, start building, and enjoy the process of creating your own egg drop project!

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30 Amazing Egg Drop Ideas

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: May 10, 2024

In today’s post, the focus is on egg drop project ideas! This engaging activity is not only a favorite among science classes and engineering challenges but also a fantastic way to encourage creative problem-solving and hands-on learning. The egg drop experiment involves designing a device that can protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height. It’s a perfect blend of fun and education, allowing students to experiment with different materials and designs while learning about physics principles like gravity, impact, and energy absorption.

In this post, we’ll dive into a variety of innovative designs that use everyday materials to protect your fragile cargo. From simple household items to clever engineering hacks, these ideas are designed to inspire and challenge young minds to think outside the box.

Egg Drop Ideas

Whether you’re a teacher looking for classroom activities, a student preparing for a school competition, or a parent seeking a fun weekend project with your kids, these egg drop ideas are sure to provide entertainment and educational value.

1. Parachute Design : Attach a small parachute made of a plastic bag or lightweight fabric to slow down the descent of the egg, reducing the impact when it hits the ground.

2. Straw Cradle : Build a cradle using drinking straws to absorb the shock of the fall. You can design the straws in a box shape or use them to create a cushioning grid around the egg.

3. Balloon Bumper : Use balloons to cushion the egg. Inflate several small balloons and tape them around the egg to act as shock absorbers.

4. Padded Container : Place the egg inside a small plastic container lined with padding such as cotton balls, foam, or even mini marshmallows to absorb the impact.

5. Suspension Box : Suspend the egg inside a box using rubber bands or string. The suspension will help distribute the force of the landing more evenly.

6. Peanut Butter Jar : Fill a small jar with peanut butter and embed the egg inside. The viscosity of the peanut butter helps reduce the impact on the egg.

7. Bubble Wrap Suit : Wrap the egg in several layers of bubble wrap, securing it with tape to ensure it stays cushioned and protected.

8. Cardboard Base : Create a shock-absorbing base using layers of corrugated cardboard cut into squares and glued together, with the egg placed in the center.

9. Popcorn Packing : Fill a box with popped popcorn and nestle the egg in the middle. The popcorn provides a lightweight and effective cushion.

10. Egg in an Egg Carton : Use an egg carton and modify it by cutting out a portion where the egg sits, then surrounding the egg with a combination of soft materials like tissue or sponge. Close the carton and secure it with rubber bands.

11. Sponge Enclosure : Use kitchen sponges to create a protective box around the egg. The sponges act as excellent shock absorbers.

12. Cereal Cushion : Fill a small box with cereal (like puffed rice or corn flakes) to create a soft, impact-absorbing bed for the egg.

13. Tissue Box Theater : Modify a tissue box by cutting a small hole for the egg, surrounded by tissues or soft fabric to cushion the fall.

14. Water Balloon Suspension : Suspend the egg inside a large water balloon filled with a small amount of water. The water helps distribute the impact energy away from the egg.

Related: Best Emotional Literacy Books for Kids

15. Legged Landing Gear : Construct a landing gear using popsicle sticks or small dowels to absorb the shock, allowing the egg to remain suspended in the middle.

16. Cup Cradles : Nestle the egg between two plastic cups lined with soft material and taped together. The cups act like a capsule, protecting the egg on all sides.

17. Pantyhose Pouch : Place the egg inside a section of pantyhose with padding around it. The stretchy material helps to absorb and distribute the shock.

18. Box of Springs : Use small springs or coils from pens placed in a box to create a spring-loaded platform that cushions the fall.

19. Foam Tile Fortress : Construct a fortress around the egg using interlocking foam tiles, which are commonly used as floor mats. They can be cut and arranged to form a protective barrier.

20. Rubber Band Ball : Wrap the egg in a large, dense ball of rubber bands. The rubber bands provide elasticity and cushioning, reducing the impact force.

21. Rice Box : Fill a small box with uncooked rice to create a dense, shock-absorbing cushion that molds around the egg during impact.

22. Styrofoam Support : Carve a small hole in a block of Styrofoam and fit the egg snugly inside. The Styrofoam will help absorb the shock of the drop.

23. Ziploc Bag Hammock : Suspend the egg inside a Ziploc bag filled with air or a light padding material, and then secure the bag within a rigid frame made of straws or popsicle sticks.

24. Cotton Candy Cloud : If available, use cotton candy to encase the egg. The sticky, fluffy texture can absorb shock surprisingly well.

25. Towel Wrap Technique : Wrap the egg in a thick kitchen towel and secure it with rubber bands, creating a soft, cushioned bundle.

26. Jello Mold : Suspend the egg in a small container filled with Jello. Once the Jello sets, it creates a gelatinous cushion that helps absorb impacts.

27. Slinky Shell : Place the egg at the center of a large slinky, allowing the coil to absorb the shock while maintaining its integrity during the drop.

28. Chips Bag Air Cushion : Inflate a small, empty potato chip bag and seal it with tape. Use this air-filled bag to cushion the egg, similar to an airbag.

29. Origami Holder : Create an origami structure with pockets or padding to hold the egg. This can combine art and engineering, using paper’s shock-absorbing properties.

30. Beanie Baby Bed : Use the stuffing from an old plush toy or beanie baby to create a soft, protective bed for the egg within a container.

Related: 20 Team Building Activities for Kids

Final thoughts

I hope these ideas have sparked your creativity and encouraged you to think about simple materials in new and innovative ways. Whether you’re gearing up for a classroom challenge, a science fair, or just looking for a fun activity to do at home, these egg drop designs offer a fantastic opportunity to engage with basic physics concepts and engineering principles.

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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Awesome Egg Drop Ideas

Take the egg drop challenge for an awesome   STEM project for young kids and older ones! Read on to find out how the egg drop challenge works and what the best materials are for an egg drop, and grab the free printable guide.

Take the Egg Drop Challenge

Create your own egg drop designs to protect your egg from breaking when it is dropped from a height. 

Egg drop challenges are super cool and make for terrific STEM activities! I have been waiting to do a classic egg drop project for some time with my son but felt like he was too young.

The goal of the egg drop challenge is to drop your egg from a height without it breaking when it hits the ground.

Most egg drop projects use many loose materials, design making, and tinkering that my son isn’t ready for yet. I thought we could expand on it by using materials in our kitchen to protect the eggs including ziptop bags to control the mess.

What else can you do with eggs? Watch the video!

Grab the FREE Printable Egg Drop Worksheets!

What are the Best Materials for an Egg Drop?

We have two versions of this egg drop challenge below, one for older and younger kids. Do you need real eggs? Usually, I would say yes, but given the circumstances, how about candy-filled plastic eggs ? If you don’t want to waste food for any reason, don’t! Find a workaround instead.

Egg Drop Ideas for Older Kids

Older kiddos will love coming up with ideas to protect the egg in an egg drop. Certainly, egg drop designs can be more involved the older a kid gets, making this a great activity to try each year. Some materials they may want to use…

• Packaging materials
• Old T-shirts or rags
• Recycling container goodies
• And so much more!

Here’s a past year’s winner in the egg drop challenge! It even included a plastic bag parachute!

Egg Drop Ideas for Younger Kids

You will need eggs and plastic zip top bags to contain the mess! How many is up to you? We had seven bags left, so we came up with six items from around the kitchen to fill the bags and protect the eggs and one with nothing.

I tried to pick items that weren’t too wasteful, and we had a few expired and unused items in the pantry. Some materials you could use to protect the egg…

• paper towels
• dry cereal {we used very old wheat puffs}

Best Egg Drop Design Ideas

Here are ten simple egg-drop design ideas for kids to try.

TIP: Tape and rubber bands are great to have on hand for securing constructions.

1. Parachute Design

Attach a parachute made from a plastic bag or thin fabric to slow down the descent of the egg. Experiment with different parachute sizes and shapes.

Materials: Plastic bags, fabric scraps, tissue paper.

2. Cup and String Contraption

Suspend the egg inside a cup using strings or rubber bands. The cup absorbs some of the impact, and the strings provide additional support.

Materials: Paper cups, rubber bands, string or yarn.

3. Bubble Wrap Encasement

Wrap the egg in several layers of bubble wrap to provide cushioning and protection. Secure the bubble wrap with tape.

Materials: Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, tissue paper.

4. Straw Structure

Create a protective structure using straws. Arrange the straws to form a cage around the egg, leaving enough space for the egg to be cradled safely.

Materials: Plastic or paper straws.

5. Balloon Cushioning

Inflate a balloon and tape it securely around the egg. The balloon acts as a cushion during the fall.

Materials: Regular balloons.

6. Cotton Ball Padding

Surround the egg with a thick layer of cotton balls or cotton padding. This can absorb some of the impact forces upon landing.

Materials: Cotton balls, cotton pads, sponge, foam padding.

7. Foam Container

Place the egg inside a small foam container, such as a foam cup or takeout container. The foam absorbs and disperses the impact energy.

Materials: Plastic containers, foam cups, paper cups, small boxes.

8. Paper Mache Shell

Create a protective shell for the egg using paper mache. The hardened shell provides a protective barrier against impact.

Materials: Newspapers, flour, water.

9. Cardboard Tube Construction

Use cardboard tubes (toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls) to create a protective structure around the egg. Arrange the tubes to form a cradle for the egg.

Materials: Cardboard sheets, cardboard tubes.

10. Feathered Landing

Attach feathers to the egg to slow down its descent. The feathers create drag, reducing the speed at which the egg falls.

Materials: Bird feathers or craft feathers.

Remember to encourage students to test and refine their designs. They can vary the drop height or make adjustments to improve the performance of their egg drop contraptions. Additionally, discussing the science behind each design choice can add to the learning experience.

5 Ways To Extend The Challenge

Want to turn this fun science activity into a science fair project? Check out these helpful resources.

• Easy Science Fair Projects
• Science Project Tips From A Teacher
• Science Fair Board Ideas

Investigate Different Types Of Materials

Get students to design a container for the egg using various materials like paper, cardboard, plastic, and foam. Then, compare which material offers the best protection.

Shape Experiment

Explore the impact of the shape of the container on the egg’s safety. Students can create different shapes, such as cubes, spheres, or pyramids, and see which one works best.

Parachute Design

Challenge students to design a parachute system that slows down the egg’s descent. This adds an aerodynamics element to the project.

Weight Constraint

Introduce the maximum weight constraint for the entire contraption. This requires students to think about the trade-off between protection and weight.

Altitude Variations

Change the height from which the egg is dropped. Ask students to adjust their designs for different drop heights and explain how they made these adjustments.

Add These STEM Questions for Reflection

These STEM questions for reflection are perfect to use with older kiddos to talk about how the project went and what they might do differently next time around. Use these questions for reflection with your kids after they have completed the STEM challenge to encourage discussion of results and critical thinking .

—> Get the printable STEM questions list here .

• What were some of the challenges you discovered along the way?
• What worked well and what did not work well?
• What part of your model or prototype do you really like? Explain why.
• What part of your model or prototype needs improvement? Explain why.
• What other materials would you like to use if you could do this challenge again?
• What would you do differently next time?
• What parts of your model or prototype are similar to the real world version?

Check Our Our Egg Drop Experiment

The first egg drop challenge had to be the egg in the zip-top bag. We had to ensure the bag wasn’t protecting the egg, right? Crash and splat went that egg drop. Since it’s already in a bag, I might as well squish it around!

We continued with the egg drop challenge, testing each bag and then examining the contents. This egg drop project had some clear winners!

IDEAS THAT FAILED!

Obviously, the egg did not fair well with no protection. It also didn’t make it through an egg drop in water or ice. Note: We tried the water twice! Once with 8 cups and once with 4 cups.

EGG DROP IDEAS THAT WORKED!

However, the egg drop did make it through the crazy cup contraption. We were all impressed. It also made it through a drop in a bag of cereal. The egg, however, did not fare well in the paper towels. He didn’t think the towels were thick enough!

It would be a great egg drop project idea to explore: how to drop an egg without breaking it using paper!

We concluded the egg drop challenge, with a bag of flour mix. {This was very old gluten-free mix we will never use}. The flour was “soft” apparently making for great protection against the fall.

More Egg Science Activities

Prepare the eggs for more simple science projects to explore chemistry, biology, and physics!

• Do Eggs Float?
• Make A Bouncy Egg
• Test the strength of eggshells
• Get an egg into a bottle

More Favorite STEM Challenges

Straw Boats Challenge – Design a boat made from nothing but straws and tape, and see how many items it can hold before it sinks.

How Strong Is An Egg – Test much weight one egg can hold before it breaks.

Strong Spaghetti – Get out the pasta and test our your spaghetti bridge designs. Which one will hold the most weight?

Spaghetti Marshmallow Tower – Build the tallest spaghetti tower that can hold the weight of a jumbo marshmallow.

Strong Paper – Experiment with folding paper in different ways to test its strength, and learn about what shapes make the strongest structures.

Printable STEM Pack for Kids

80+ Doable Engineering Projects in one convenient pack!

• Full instructions with sample images
• Activity-specific instruction sheets
• Data Collection Sheets
• Questions for Reflection
• Architecture Building Cards: Try the tallest tower challenge
• Bridge Building Cards: Explore different types of bridges to build your own.
• Paper Chain STEM Challenge: Who can make the longest chain? Great icebreaker or quick challenge!
• 3 Little Pigs Architectural Pack: Design a house that won’t blow away!
• Great marshmallow challenge: A classic challenge kids love!
• Real-world STEM challenge lesson but don’t know where to start? Our easy-to-follow template shows the steps!
• What’s the difference between a scientist and an engineer?
• Crossword and word search with engineering vocabulary.
• Engineering vocabulary cards
• Design a one-of-a-kind invention and write about it with this 5-page activity!

you worry too much about what people will think do your experiments and be happy who cares if you wasted a couple eggs. it was good clean fun with your kids.

Did any of the bags burst open? I’m interesting in leading this for a library program and need to figure out where we should drop the bags.

There was no catastrophic bag opening. I would suggest making sure the air is out of the bag first. You could also drop it into a plastic bin. Also go with quality zip top bags if you are worried. Have fun with it!

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coolreally handy

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