Egg Drop Lab - 3D Print Edition

thingiverse

Project #2 - Egg Drop This project takes the classic egg drop experiment done in many general science and physics classrooms and adds a 3D printing twist. The sample STL file is just one example of what can be designed to help house the egg and any other parts/pieces that will support it. Egg design restrictions are up to the instructor, who can decide how much students may design in 3D and/or add in terms of additional physical supports. The sample 3D STL file included is borrowed from user: NathanSquire67, https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:471112 Print Settings Printer: Flashforge 3D Creator Pro Rafts: Yes Supports: Yes Resolution: .27 Infill: 15% Notes: The egg files attached MUST be scaled to 1.5 or higher to fit a regular sized egg. This project is more effective if students create their own designs. I recommend that students customize their own 'Egg Shell' file that is big enough not only for the raw egg, but also for other supports that might be added such as paper, cardboard pieces, etc. Post-Printing The custom case that the students design should be big enough to fit the egg in snugly so that it can be dropped from different heights! Additional Information This current design is insufficient to allow the survival of an egg at heights above 1 meter. To successfully create a protective shell for the egg, a larger design with internal supports will be necessary. Extra support materials can include straws, cotton balls, paper, etc. How I Designed This Students who are creating custom egg cases can use TinkerCAD, Sketchup, or any other 3D modeling program that can make STL files. I used ReplicatorG to slice the files. Standards NGSS Overview and Background Students in a physics/physical science setting will engage in a lab activity involving the design, construction (3D Printing), and testing their creation with a raw egg at specific drop heights. Students will utilize a tape measure, recording device, 3D modeling software, a 3D printer, and any necessary support materials. Skill Levels Recommended: 3D modeling: Basic/Intermediate, 3D printing: Basic/Intermediate Objectives: Students will be using their 3D printed shells to drop their eggs from specific heights (can be any particular/accessible height) and recording data on different physical quantities such as kinetic energy, potential energy, impulse, etc. Skills Learned (Standards): HS-PS3-2. Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative positions of particles (objects). Lesson Plan and Activity Step 1: Pass out lab worksheet and debrief instructions with students. Step 2: Establish groups (3-4). Step 3: Allow students one hour to design their 3D egg shell. Step 4: Print out group egg shells (print them for the following class to test the shells). Step 5: Have students mass their egg shells with and without the raw eggs inside. Step 6: Lead students to the egg drop area (tall area with heights labeled). Step 7: Begin the lab by having groups begin to drop their eggs at different heights and recording data (in addition to egg survival). Step 8: Have students calculate potential energy & kinetic energy & momentum of their car drops (can be assisted by teacher with calculations). Step 9: Finish worksheets. Step 10: Debrief Lab activity (go over lab worksheet and discuss general findings/trends). Duration of Lesson 3-4 hour lab total; 1 hour for 3D design, 3 hours maximum to conduct the lab. Preparation The teacher MUST PRINT all the student designed egg shells. Lab area (tall location such as roof, stairs, balcony, etc.), Labeled heights (tape, etc.), Scales, Timer (phone apps can work too!), Tape measure. *Knowledge of kinetic energy, potential energy, and momentum (possible to test other physical quantities). Rubric and Assessment See attached rubric for the Egg Drop Lab. References http://www.nextgenscience.org/pe/hs-ps3-2-energy - Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) https://www.pinterest.com/explore/egg-drop-project/ - Filled with pictures/resources for winning designs (non-3D printed however) *http://gizmodo.com/how-to-win-your-physics-class-egg-drop-competition-1707125282 - for more ideas.