What plans can I use to construct a light balsa wood (1/8 X 1/8
inch)device that will hold and protect an egg from breaking when
released from a height of 2 meters high? No other material may be used
other than balsa wood and glue.

I did this experiment when I was in college. Frankly, I suggest that
you experiment, using your imagination (be sure to purchase lots of
eggs for the failures). By doing this yourself, you'll have fun, and
you'll learn something about engineering. Finding a prefabricated
answer on the Internet is no fun, and it won't teach you much.

Hint. Design the device to crumple and dissipate the energy.

Best

Soak the egg in the glue for about a week.  

It won't break.

Hi Tony,

Are you allowed to boil the egg in your experiment? ?

When you say "1/8 X 1/8 inch", is that the total square dimension of
the device? If 1/8" is the thickness of the balsa wood, what is your
reference to the other 1/8"?

I believe that the triangle or rather the pyramid is the strongest
shape. A conical or pyramidical device attached below the large end of
the egg might do the trick. It has to be the large end of course due
to aerodynamics. A triangular or conical device may provide support
upon impact, while the structure of collapsing balsa should absorb
much of that impact.

Only a layman's theory mind you. I should try this myself, but I would
like a further explanation on your reference to 1/8 X 1/8 before I
waste too many eggs.

If your 1/8" dimensions are cubed .. hhhmmm .. nahh .. I'll wait for your response.

Phil

Thanks Phil (silver777).
1/8inch X 1/8 inch means the balsa wood dimensions (square thickness,
which can be cut to any length.  The total dimension of the device can
br as big as 1 foot cube.
Your suggestions are appreciated.
Tony

Thanks guzzi for your suggestion.
Tony

so, you could build a big ramp then, and roll it down