When fifth graders combine science and imagination, the result is fun, creative, and—unbreakable!
What happens to a raw egg when dropped from a height of 15 metres? For the more than 2,000 pupils who attended this year’s “Save the Egg” competition at Chalmers University of Technology, the answer was clear: nothing!
At least not if you design, build, and construct to ensure it doesn’t crack. The 2024 challenge brought out the brightest young minds and proved that science and creativity go hand in hand.
A challenge of precision and fun
The task was simple in theory but tricky in practice: to create a structure that protects an egg from a fall of four to five storeys. According to project leaders Catrine Henriksson and Dorotea Blank, the challenge required pupils to think like real scientists:
“They had to combine knowledge of physics, energy transformation, mass, velocity, and material science. On top of that, they had to work on design and create a presentation. It’s an impressive mix of skills for the fifth graders,” said Catrine.
With these tools in mind, more than 180 constructions were tested over two rainy days at Chalmers in November. Chalmers students, alumni, and researchers participated in the event to inspire the young innovators with hands-on experiments and demonstrations.
The results were impressive—80% of the eggs survived!
A nobel recognition
In the Malmstenssalen at the School of Business, Economics, and Law, three winning classes (all from Kungsbacka) gathered to receive their diplomas. Swedish broadcaster SVT Väst was also present, covering the event.
Professor Simon Johnson, Nobel laureate in economics, presented the diplomas and even taught the winners the traditional “Nobel bow” as applause filled the room.
Awards were handed out in three categories:
- Most Technically Smart Design: Robotsnurr from Gällingeskolan
- Best Presentation: Leksaksbilen from Kullaviks Montessoriskola
- Most Fun and Creative Design: Lille Planet from Maleviksskolan
A Q&A full of laughter and insight
The pupils had prepared questions and seized the opportunity to consult Professor Johnson, who answered with a mix of humour and seriousness. When asked who his role model was as a young student, he replied:
“My university professor, Andrew Glen. He taught me so much and inspired me to think differently. Find teachers who challenge you—that’s where real learning happens.”
What was your favourite subject in school?, asked another girl:
“History! I also liked maths and physics, but history truly fascinated me. My parents, however, hesitated at the thought of a career as a historian. Instead, I combined my love for history with mathematics and physics, which led me to economics. It was fun, and it felt like I was beginning to understand how the world works," Johnson said and continued:
“Find the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, and where you can build a career.”
Dorotea Blank, who has long led school collaboration projects at Chalmers, summed up “Save the Egg” perfectly:
“Seeing the pupils take on such a complex challenge with enthusiasm and creativity is what makes this event so special. They are truly tomorrow’s problem-solvers.”
And for Professor Johnson? The “Save the Egg” team awarded him his very own diploma, which he promised to proudly display in his office at MIT Sloan, Boston.
"It's a perfect match for what I already have," he laughed, displaying his Nobel medallion.
