CHALLENGE:
Family teams must design a self-contained, free-falling device to protect a raw, Grade A egg during a 30-60’ drop.
REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN:
Online registration closes April 25th (preferred); onsite registration will be available
Register: nerd-lab.com/stem-competitions
Teams Check-in: 2–3pm
Competition starts at 3pm
REGISTRATION FEE: $30
DEVICE REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be built by your team (no pre-made items)
- Must fit within a 6"×6"×6" cube and weigh under 5lbs
- Must allow easy egg insertion/removal
- Egg must be retrievable within 1 minute after drop
- Team name must be clearly displayed
- Must comply with design criteria and avoid all restricted materials
RULES:
- Each team gets at least 2 drops (optional 3rd if time permits)
- Device modifications allowed between drops (must still meet all criteria)
- Eggs provided by organizers
1st drop: 30 ft
2nd & 3rd drops: heights chosen by teams (max 60 ft)
SCORING:
- Points for egg survival (per drop)
• +25 points - Egg is completely unbroken (no cracks)
• +10 points - Egg is cracked but remains intact (no leakage)
• +0 points - Egg is broken (internal contents exposed)
- One time weight bonuses:
• +10 points - Device weighs under 2.5 lbs
• + 20 points - Device weighs under 1.5 lbs
- Optional height bonuses:
• +5 points - For every 5 ft increase over 30 ft in survival height
• Maximum: +30 points - If the egg survives the tallest 60ft drop
(Height bonuses apply only if the egg remains unbroken or cracked but intact)
Highest total score wins. Ties broken based on design size, weight, ease of egg loading, creativity, and durability.
PRIZES:
- Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places and Most Creative Design
RESTRICTED MATERIALS:
- No foams, powders, liquids/gels (glue is allowed), shredded paper, Styrofoam, parachutes, shipping materials (e.g., packing peanuts, bubble wrap), or glass/pyrex.
