Egg Drop

Your Mission: Create a landing capsule to safely bring your astronaut home

Photo of port side view of the Orbiter Discovery at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Orbiter Discovery is parked on the ground. The Orbiter Discovery is pointed to the left, framed by a warehouse.r
The United States Army was influential in the creation of the National Aeronautic Space Administration, better known as NASA. The Army’s work creating landing capsules allowed for our astronauts to land safely and set the precedent for safety, even today.

In this activity, learn the history and evolution of rockets. Then, experience the forces at work by building a landing capsule of your own for a re-entry test!

Photo of science project landing capsule. Close up a newspaper-wrapped box with an attached plastic bag parachute. The newspaper is folded around a box. The bag is attached to the box wit rubber bands wrapped around the box.

Time: 1-1.5 hrs
Level: Grades 4+
Topic: Space, Engineering, Astronauts, Exploration
Format: Downloadable PDF
Materials:

  • One egg per person
  • Tape or glue
  • String
  • Scissors
  • Newspaper
  • Recycled materials like cardboard boxes, tissue paper, bubble wrap and plastic bags
NMUSA Image

EGG DROP WORKSHEET

Show off your engineering  skills

Once you’ve built your landing capsule, share it with us so that we can see it! With an adult, post a photo on social media and tag the museum @USArmyMuseum.

More from the Museum

Learn more about rockets, space travel and the Army

Visit the Museum’s Digital Resources Page