Solve The Fall

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In this twist on a classic design challenge, learners will try to stop a bouncy ball from bouncing as they explore how to control the fall of an object. This is similar to the egg drop challenge, but with less of a mess. Includes instructions with building and testing suggestions, possible questions to ask learners, activity extensions for adding a story or future iterations, and a video with an example design. A Spanish version of the activity is also available. Activity costs could be lower by using all recycled materials.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 18
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per student)

  • Note: These are suggestions for materials to use. Choose a few in each category, or use items that you have on hand-be creative!
  • All purpose materials: Cardboard, Straws, Paper towel/ toilet paper rolls, Chopsticks, Craft sticks
  • Connectors: Twist ties, Pipe cleaners (chenille stems), Rubber bands, String, Paper/binder clips, Clothes pins, Paper fasteners
  • Net or basket-like materials: Fruit baskets, Paper cups/ bowls, Fabric scraps, Coffee filters
  • Cushioning Materials: Foam, Bubble wrap, Tissue paper
  • Tools: Scissors, Hole punch, Masking tape (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
      • Gravity
      • Momentum and Velocity
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Tech Interactive, 2020

Funding Source:

  • Dell Technologies

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