Download Strongest Tower Challenge

The "Strongest Tower Challenge" is a hands-on activity designed to encourage creativity,
structural engineering principles, and teamwork. In this challenge, students are tasked with
building the tallest or strongest freestanding tower using only paper and paper clips within a
limited time. Here’s a structured outline for running this activity:
Challenge Objective
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Goal: Build the tallest or strongest freestanding tower using only a stack of paper and
a set number of paper clips.
Constraints: No adhesives, cutting, or additional materials allowed; tower must stand
independently.
Materials
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A stack of 20-30 sheets of standard printer paper per team
10-15 paper clips per team
Ruler or measuring tape (for height)
Small weights (e.g., coins or washers) to test strength if desired
Instructions
1. Form Teams: Divide students into teams of 2-4 members each.
2. Explain the Rules:
o Use only the provided materials to build the tower.
o Teams can fold, bend, roll, or interlock the paper and paper clips in any way.
o The tower must be freestanding without any external support.
o Height measurement will be taken from the base to the highest point.
3. Set a Time Limit: Typically, 20-30 minutes is sufficient for the challenge.
4. Encourage Planning: Allow teams a few minutes at the start to discuss and
brainstorm their design.
Building Tips (for students)
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Experiment with Stability: Focus on creating a stable base to support height.
Layering and Folding: Use folds to add strength to the paper.
Strategic Use of Paper Clips: Use paper clips to hold sections together or add
reinforcement.
Judging Criteria
1. Height: Measure the height of each tower.
2. Strength (Optional): Gradually place weights on the top of each tower until it
collapses; record the maximum weight each tower can hold.
3. Design and Stability: Assess the tower’s ability to stay upright and stable without
support.
Discussion Points
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Reflection on Design Choices: Ask students which design aspects worked and which
didn’t.
Physics Principles: Discuss concepts of stability, weight distribution, and structural
integrity.
Teamwork: Reflect on how team members collaborated and problem-solved together.
Extensions
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Change Materials: Try variations with limited paper or different numbers of paper
clips.
Budget Constraints: Assign a “cost” to each material and challenge teams to build
within a budget.
Environmental Factors: Introduce wind or vibration to test tower stability further.
Learning Outcomes
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Understand structural engineering basics and stability concepts.
Foster teamwork and collaboration.
Encourage creative problem-solving within constraints.
The challenge provides a hands-on experience with practical applications of physics and
engineering, reinforcing critical thinking and collaborative skills.