Leaning Tower of Pasta

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Learners build structures from spaghetti and marshmallows to determine which structures are able to handle the greatest load. Their experiments help them to further understand the effects that compression and tension forces have with respect to the strength of structures. Resource contains suggestions for assessment, extensions, and scaling for different levels of learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 20 unbroken pieces of uncooked, long pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine
  • 30 small marshmallows
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Weights or small books

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Yakacki, Chris ; Heavner, Ben ; Schaefer Zarske, Malinda ; Carlson, Denise

Source Collection

  • TeachEngineering

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2004

Funding Sources:

  • Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)
  • U.S. Department of Education
  • National Science Foundation, 0226322