Woodland Students Egg Drop Challenge
Warren Township Schools
Each year, grade five students at Woodland elementary school in Warren Township, NJ, participate in an Egg Drop Activity to promote student teamwork and cooperation.
For the 2022-2023 school year, Mrs. Nicole Panos, grade 5 teacher, was inspired to bring the Egg Drop activity to a higher level. Panos coordinated with the Washington Valley Volunteer Fire Company to have a bucket truck at the event.
Similar to previous years, the students worked in small groups to design contraptions made from materials such as balloons, bubble wrap, cotton balls, foam, cloth, and paper plates to protect the egg from breaking when dropped from a fifteen-foot ladder.
On the morning of September 8, students had the opportunity to test their egg projects in their classrooms. Out of the seventeen experimental drops, all but three eggs survived the first experience.
Recognizing an opportunity to reinforce a Growth Mindset lesson, homeroom teachers Ms. Alexa Barber, Mrs. Melanie Morales, Mr. Adam Yenish, and Panos encouraged their students to adjust their projects and try again.
That afternoon, thanks to Jim Devizio, Captain of the Tower, and Fire Chief Charlie Bochen of the Washington Valley Volunteer Fire Company, the students had the opportunity to have their egg projects raised by the bucket truck and dropped from as high as seventy feet! Eleven of the seventeen eggs survived the drop.
According to Panos, the entire event was a success. “Woodland School really appreciates the participation and enthusiasm we received from Washington Valley Vol. Fire Co. We hope to make this an annual event with them.”
Photos by Woodland School
