Need help with Egg Drop contest?

Question

We are doing an egg drop contest for a class I'm in. The only trick is, we dont get to plan it. We arrive on the day, the instructor is bringing a selection of things that we all have to "bid" on, and bargain for to make a contraption to protect the egg. Then we will have a small amount of time to figure out what to make with what we have and the egg drop will happen right there and then. Very little time to prepare, and we have to use what we get. The instructor is about 6'3. He will stand on a 4 foot table and raise his arm above his head and drop the egg. Not a gigantic drop, but enough to prove the point.

So!!! Not knowing what we will have to choose from, and having limited time and tools at our disposal to make the contraption, what should we look for? We want to make the best choices, get the most bang for our buck on what we choose to "bid" on. Suggestions on materials, or the most common type of idea that wins such competitions? The egg just cant spill its contents at all!

Answer 1

I've done these contests both as the teacher and as the student.  The two main things you are looking for are:

1.  A way to protect the egg..so go for as much insulation as you can...or something that can absorb an impact well (foamy or springy).

2.  A way to slow down the egg...I've seen lots of parachute ideas.  You really have to think about the design though.  You've got to stop the parachute from collapsing (use something stiff to keep it open as opposed to string...straws work well).  And from the short height you're describing, I'm not sure the parachute idea will work at all.

Be aware of how your added material will make the egg behave.  If the egg turns upside down (away from a cushioning prop for example), it will do no good.