This special activity activates teamwork and innovation the first week of school. It's a combination of science, reading and writing. The day before the egg drop, students observe their teacher break a meter stick that has two pieces of newspaper lying across it, due to the air pressure. Teachers demonstrate how to write a constructed response after reading an article on air pressure. This idea is intended to spark the idea of a parachute when creating a way to keep a dropped egg from cracking. All groups are given the same amount of paper, straws, and tape. Finalist contraptions are dropped off the roof by our principals, and this year, our superintendent as well! The following day, students read an article and work in partners to write a constructed response about why parachutes aid egg contraptions.