Grade 7 Structural Strength & Stability

Ingrid Munson

DESIGN CHALLENGE: Use as few straws as possible to create a tower that is strong enough to support a full cup of water.

DESIGN SPECS:  You will be working in teams of 3 to complete the challenge.  The tower must support a full cup of water at least 5 cm above the test surface  The design can be tested as it is being built but you may only use a half cup of water for your tests

MATERIALS  1 paper cup  10 straws  straight pins to join the straws together – use the sewing ones, as the heads will be easier to find rather than the straight pins  Ruler

You will have access to water and to the test “facility”.

You will have 10 minutes to complete the challenge.

Good luck!

Additional Resources: http://www.octe.on.ca/ for additional technology ideas http://wvteched.k12.wv.us/resources/activities/index.php another great website for technology ideas

Idea from: Robert Moulder HDSB