On day two, VAMPY campers did a follow-up construction project from study hall the previous night. Campers were asked to build the tallest tower possible using only 20 spaghetti noodles and marshmallows. The remainder of the day was spent working on a new project. This project required campers to design and construct a device that would prevent an egg from cracking when dropped at varying heights. The materials provided for this project were limited to: paper clips, cotton balls, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and rubber bands. After the first drop, only four students were successful; however, no eggs survived after the second drop. Campers then discussed designs that were successful and designs that were not. Using this knowledge, they went back to the drawing board to think about other possible solutions. During study hall, students had the opportunity to build their new egg drop design!
To begin day three, VAMPY campers will finish perfecting their egg drop designs. Designs will then be tested until no eggs survive. Next, campers will be presented with a new problem: design a device that will launch an object the farthest and hit a designated target. To begin the design process, campers will conduct some research to help them gather ideas for their catapults.
Additionally, we have taken pictures of VAMPY campers constructing and testing their projects. You may view these photos on The Center for Gifted Studies Flickr page. Stay tuned for more from “Problems You Have Never Solved Before.”