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Narrative: The EGGstravaganza Contest, an egg launch competition designed and implemented for Knox County middle schools by Pellissippi State Technical Community College, was held in May 1999 for eighty-five (85) students. While the concept of egg launch competitions is not new, they are typically limited to teachers within the school(s) and do not include the involvement of postsecondary educators and members of the community.

All thirteen middle schools were invited to participate and competition was categorized for each grade level. Students were required to design their "launch" mechanism using math skills. Science was also included in the lesson by studying different kinds of eggs. Middle school teachers received information about the competition in October so they had time to integrate the necessary skills into their regular curriculum. Knox County math teachers worked with Pellissippi State faculty in the design of the project. Engineers from the community and faculty from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville also assisted.

Middle school students were specifically targeted because of the desire to get them "hooked" on math prior to high school. The activity also required use of good problem-solving skills and critical thinking. It was truly an applied learning experience!

It Works! The project has been picked up as a permanent activity during Math Awareness Week. Additional schools will be added in the second year. The competition received significant media attention including television and newspaper stories. Students enjoyed the activity and learned new math skills painlessly.

Contact:
Contact: Jackie Vogel, Assistant Professor Pellissippi State Technical Community College
Hardin Valley Road
Knoxville, TN 37933
865/539-7145 (Voice)
E-mail: jvogel@pstcc.cc.tn.us

Committee Chairs:
Linda Knauer
E-mail: lknauer@pstcc.cc.tn.us
E-mail: jthomasson@pstcc.cc.tn.us

Cross Reference: Postsecondary Involvement