Straw Tower Lab

Name :

Purpose : To design and construct the tallest free standing tower using straws, pins and plasticine.

Materials :

• 25 straws

• pins

• plasticine

• scissors

• timer

• tennis ball

Procedure :

1. Each group receives a building kit with materials inside to investigate for exactly one minute.

2. After one minute, building materials are put aside.

3. Each group receives exactly 5 minutes to plan a design for their tower.

   • The tower must incorporate only those materials supplied

   • The tower must be free standing

   • The tower must hold a tennis ball at its peak for at least 5 seconds.

4. At the end of 5 min. all groups begin to build their tower, the time limit for building is 5 min.

5. Remember, the most important aspects of a winning team are cooperation and communication.

Observations and Data :

1. Look at the designs from the other groups. Describe how they are similar.

2. Look at the designs from the other groups. Describe how they are different.

Analysis :

1. What were the limiting factors in your tower's construction?

2. Did your group work well as a team? Why do you think this?

3. If you did the competition again, what would you do differently?