Before heading out the door for summer vacation, Sagle Elementary third graders participated in an egg drop competition.

"This science and engineering activity encourages students to design and test their ideas in a fun and competitive way," Michelle Smith, Sagle Elementary third-grade teacher, said.

As part of the event, students are challenged to create a container that will protect a raw egg from a fall of 50 feet. Projects have size limitations and the eggs cannot be altered, but few other restrictions apply, Smith said.

Students engineer their designs at home and bring them to school for the big drop.  

"The two third-grade classes have a friendly competition to determine which class has better engineers based on egg survival rates," Smith said. "The average survival rate for this year’s projects was 56%."

Smith said students were encouraged to explain what they would do differently if given the chance to test another project.

"It’s all about the process, not the initial outcome," she added.

The school thanked Joe Giard from Ziply Fiber for bringing out a bucket truck and dropping the egg-drop projects.

"Your commitment to our community is evident and we appreciate your willingness to take time out of your busy day for the local school children, Smith said.