Indiana high school students will be on campus today, launching large Grade A eggs through the air.
Five schools will participate in Ball State's first Egg Launch, co-sponsored by the Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Construction Management programs and the Purdue Mechanical Engineering Technology Program at Ball State.
Dave Riegle, who is coordinating the event, said 60 to 70 students will make up 10 teams that are required to construct a protective covering that will allow their eggs to fly 25 meters and land without breaking.
Students have been working to build not only the container for their egg but also a device to launch it.
"We wanted something that would make kids come up with some type of mechanical device," Riegle said.
Riegle said the idea is for teams to be made up of students who are interested in math, science and technology and for the students to combine their talents to develop their project.
Participating teams will be required to conduct three launches, in which the containers holding their eggs are sent flying toward a target 25 meters away.
Judges will select a winner after taking into account, among other things, the teams' accuracy and the condition of the eggs after the launches.
This is the first year for the Egg Launch, and Riegle said it is something he wants to see grow in the next few years.
Riegle said invitations were sent to 50 schools, but some schools did not have enough time to get a team together. He said next year the program wants to get invitations out before the second semester begins.
"We're kind of glad we only have a limited number of teams because we're learning, too," Riegle said.
He said the Egg Launch is also an opportunity to get some exposure for the programs that are sponsoring the event and to build closer relationships with teachers and students at area schools.
Students from Heritage Hall Christian School and Marion, Pendleton Heights, Delta and Noblesville high schools will be competing.
The competition is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. in the field across from Ball Memorial Hospital.
"It's a way to take stuff they are learning in the classroom and apply it in kind of a fun way," Riegle said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
