In this challenge, students have to brainstorm and come up with innovative ideas to drop a water balloon from a height without breaking it. The challenge can get as simple or complex depending on the available materials, time available and the age group of the students.
Worksheet for Educators to be used in-class.
Materials Required:
| No | Material | Qty | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newspapers | As needed | Scrap |
| 2 | Cardboard | As needed | Scrap |
| 3 | Water Balloons | As needed | Local Stationery |
| 4 | Air Balloons | As needed | Local Stationery |
| 5 | Plastic Bottles | As needed | Scrap |
| 6 | Garbage Bags | As needed | Local Stationery |
| 7 | Threads/ Rope | As needed | Local Stationery |
| 8 | Foam | As needed | Local Stationery |
| 9 | Rubber Bands | As needed | Local Stationery |
| 10 | Straws | As needed | Local Stationery |
| 11 | Cotton | As needed | Local Stationery |
| 12 | Plastic Spoons/ Icecream Sticks | As needed | Local Stationery |
| 13 | Tape/ Glue | Local Stationery | |
| 14 | Scissors | Local Stationery |
Steps to make:
- Brainstorm for ideas to make a container/ protective casing/ parachute for the water balloon.
- Place the water balloon in the container/ idea.
- Drop it from a height (make sure an adult is with you).
- If the water balloon breaks, tweak the existing idea or start over again with a new one.
Concepts Explored:
Further External Resources:
- Some ideas for the challenge – Mark Rober
- Egg Drop Challenge – Buggy and Buddy