WAUKESHA –The Physics Department at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha once again will hold an egg drop contest, open to children from kindergarten through high school, including home-schooled students. UW-Waukesha students also will participate, but they are not eligible for any prize money. On Thursday, May 8, at 11:00 a.m. eggs packaged in a way to keep them from breaking will be dropped from the roof of Northview Hall on the UW-Waukesha campus at 1500 N. University Dr.
The challenge for students is to design and construct a container that, listed in the order of critical judging importance, 1) will keep the large, raw egg inside from cracking on impact with the ground; 2) is the lightest possible weight; 3) demonstrates creative design; and 4) lands closest to the target.
Kindergarten/elementary, middle, and high school projects will be judged separately, with prizes awarded on each of the three levels. Donated by faculty members, the awards consist of $20 each for first place, $15 for each second place and $10 for the third places. All participants will receive a certificate.
Contestants should bring their packages to the Physics lab on the upper level of Northview Hall (Room 221) for weigh in, preferably between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. May 2, 5, 6, or 7 or between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on May 8. If the weather is inappropriate on Thursday, the egg drop will be held on Friday, May 9, at noon.
“Previous drops have shown that the egg drop contest is a useful learning experience and a fun activity, “ claims event organizer, UW-Waukesha physics professor Joseph Otu “Students put into practice their knowledge of science and have a chance to compete with other students. They also get to visit a university environment.” Faculty assisting him are Dr. Asif Habib, a biochemist, and Dr. Luis Rodriguez from the engineering department.
For information about the contest, phone Dr. Joseph Otu at (262) 521-5298. |
