To learn about the physical sciences, Libby ninth graders on Oct. 24 dropped eggs from a bucket 50 feet in the air.

“Students learned that technology is the application of science to solve problems and were put to the task of solving a problem,” teacher Renee Rose said via email. “The problem was how to keep an egg from breaking when dropped from over 50 feet onto a hard surface using limited resources.”

The students designed “care package” prototypes to protect the eggs. Rose said 11 of 37 prototypes successfully protected their delicate cargo.

Following the experiment, Rose, whose students were joined by teacher Carlan Campbell and her would-be scientists, said students analyzed and discussed the success of various designs.

“The project ties into learning about the laws of physics, air resistance and the transfer of force during an impact which carries over into our next unit on energy,” she wrote.

The high-elevation required for the drop experiment came courtesy of Flathead Electric’s Challis Crismore and Max Holter, who donated their time and the use of their truck.