Watch out below! Future engineers come up with methods to ensure that a ball in a cup stays in the cup even after dropped from a given height. It might be prudent to include some kind of shock absorber in the cup. Parachutes are a good idea, too.

Concepts

engineering design, parachutes, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Have a contest to see which group's design can be dropped from the greatest height
  

Classroom Considerations

• Pupils should be familiar with the idea of shock absorbers
  
• Activity requires various basic materials
  

Pros

• Includes guiding questions to help facilitate a class discussion
• Provides very detailed instructions for the activity
  

Cons

• None