Competitors from the public sector’s six Primary Schools were given the unique, and perhaps difficult, task of dropping an egg from a high balcony in such a protective manner that, after two drops, it remained uncrushed much to their delight.
The egg drop challenge, as it was referred to, was a practical lesson – in the force of gravity – designed by Science Teacher, Mr. Winston Duncan. The competition was overseen on the balcony of the Teachers’ Resource Centre by Ms. Sandra Fahie, Education Officer for Curriculum Development on Friday, October 11. In the majority of cases, the attempts were successful but in other cases, despite the careful protection methods, the eggs were smashed as they struck the concrete pavement some six to eight feet below.
The eggs were encased in protective wrappings, boxes or were thoughtfully parachuted down by balloons of different sizes. One of the eggs that survived the fall was thrown down by Josiah Richardson of The Valley Primary School. It was suspended by some four huge yellow balloons which could hardly fit into the back seat of his father’s Elvin Richardson vehicle. Not only did the egg survive the fall but, when it was inspected, it turned out to have been humorously decorated with popping eyes and a broad smile! Had it been crushed it would have been a mess of yellow and white spatter like some of the others.
Following the event, the competing students underwent an interview, conducted by educational personnel, regarding the various protective means they embarked on to safeguard the eggs.
The egg-dropping challenge attracted many schoolchildren, some of whom were not competitors, but were nevertheless allowed to participate. A number of parents were also present. Among the gathering was the newly-appointed Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney.
“I must commend the work of the Curriculum Unit,” he told The Anguillian newspaper. “This is an annual event it puts together to test the ingenuity of our students, and encourages them to think critically and analytically in terms of solving simple problems and achieving positive results. I commend the Unit for the exceptional work it has been doing over the years with children in this regard. As simple as it appears, it is a great science project.”
