Students are judged on the design of their contraption, including its weight, ease of use and creativity. Birmingham-area students are being challenged by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Engineering to design an apparatus that will protect a raw egg from breaking as it is dropped from the top of Vulcan’s 100-plus-foot pedestal. The 29th Annual UAB American Society of Mechanical Engineers Brent Newman Memorial Egg Drop Contest is set for Friday, April 6, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
“Our objective is to inspire engineering thought and design in students,” said Zoë Penko, student in the UAB Department of Mechanical Engineering and ASME president. “Each year, upward of 400 students have the opportunity to achieve the impossible through this thoughtful and inspirational STEM activity.”
The event began in 1989 to promote engineering education and inspire the next generation of Alabama engineers. Physical demonstrations showcasing science, technology, engineering and math at UAB will also be available from different engineering departments at UAB and Vulcan’s history personnel.
Students must use approved materials to design their contraption, which must fit in a container no larger than 2 feet on a side. There are no design restrictions. First- through third-place winners will be named in elementary, middle and high school categories. An overall winner will also be named.
Students are judged on the design of their contraption, including its weight, ease of use and creativity. High school participants are required to write an essay explaining the math and reasoning behind their designs.