High Rise

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this design challenge activity, learners build a tower that can support a tennis ball at least 18 inches off the ground while withstanding the wind from a fan. Learners will build a sturdy frame out of paper, learn that a solid base helps stabilize a tower and use the design process to debug problems. This work prepares learners for a follow-up challenge called "Kinetic Sculpture" from the same source.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Model, Simulation
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per student)

  • Building surface (tray, cardboard, or piece of wood)
  • Electric fan
  • Paper (copier paper and/or newspaper)
  • Straws
  • String
  • Tape (masking or duct)
  • Tennis ball
  • Wooden skewers or Popsicle sticks

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Architectural Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
    • Technology
      • Construction
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
      • Center of Gravity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Design Squad Nation

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 0810996