The Great Paper Tower Challenge

Build the tallest freestanding tower possible using only paper and tape. You will learn about engineering and structural stability by discovering how shapes like tubes and triangles make a building stronger.

Tools

• unopened can of food (14-16 ounces)

Materials

• printer or construction paper (standard size, 30 sheets)
• clear office, masking, or painters tape (1 roll, 1 inch width)

Safety

• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.

Steps

1. Experiment with your materials: Try rolling a piece of paper into a tight tube or folding it multiple times to see how it becomes harder to bend than a flat sheet.
2. Practice building a small base: Create a square or rectangle, then add diagonal pieces of paper to form triangles (called trusses) to make the structure stronger.
3. Build your tower in stages: Start with a sturdy base and gradually add height, testing the stability as you go.
4. Construct the top platform: Create a flat, stable area at the peak of your tower where the can of food can sit securely.
5. Test for stability: Carefully place the 14-16 ounce can of food on top of your tower.
6. The 60-Second Challenge: Start a timer. If the tower supports the can for 60 seconds without collapsing, your design is successful!
7. Analyze and improve: If the tower falls, look at where it bent or broke. Redesign that section using tubes or triangles and try again to reach a new height record.