You're Grounded

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In this engineering activity, learners test the stability of towers they build out of cups, discovering that structures with more mass in the base are more stable.

Quick Guide

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

Materials List (per student)

  • 6 plastic cups (10-12 oz.)
  • Tape (masking or duct)
  • Magazines
  • Pennies

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Architectural Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Center of Gravity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009