Creativity, innovation, and the scientific method combined for Grade 7 students in their first STEM challenge of the school year, the Egg Drop Project.  

Their assignment was to design and construct a device to prevent a raw chicken egg from breaking when dropped from a second-floor balcony. The boys select 10 different materials to bring their designs to life. 

“I was looking for an original way to build it. I just like being creative and finding new ways to do things,” said Saul ’30. “I have four straws, a Ziplock bag with some cotton balls, a bunch of rubber bands, and two balloons. When I drop it, it’s so light that it won’t break the egg on impact and there’s lots of cushion for the egg.” 

The challenge is divided into three phases: design and construction, testing and modification, and final drop.  

“The boys are gaining a deeper understanding of the scientific method by planning their projects and reevaluating their approach when things don’t go as expected,” said Middle School Science Teacher Jake Gurley. 

The Egg Drop Project began when Peter Duncan ’76 returned to Landon as a physics teacher in 1981 and created the assignment for his Middle Schoolers. 

Forty-three years later, Duncan’s nephew, Jasper ’30, is a new student at Landon completing the challenge with his classmates. Jasper worked on his device with his parents, including father, Ted Duncan ’84, during Middle School Family Visiting Day.

 

“I didn’t realize my uncle brought it here. It was cool but I was also surprised,” said Jasper.  

Jasper said he was impressed by how some of the constraints and guidelines added to the process, compared to other egg drop challenges he’s seen before. 

“I thought it was really fun, but it was also challenging because we didn’t have that much time, and we had to use specific materials. One quarter of the surface of the egg has to be visible, and in some egg drop challenges, people just cover the egg entirely so it’s a little easier,” he said.  

Gurley said the project is a fun and engaging way for the boys to build resiliency. It was a challenge the boys accepted and enjoyed. 

“I liked the challenge a lot and I think it’s a fun way to start the year,” added Saul.