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Lightweight Tower Load Test

Build a tall tower from straws or balsa that holds the most weight for the least mass.

Grade 6BuildScience OlympiadEngineeringStructuresEngineeringMeasurementIntermediate1 to 2 hr7 materialsAdult supervision required

What you'll learn

  • Explain how bracing and base width increase strength
  • Measure mass and load accurately
  • Compare designs using a ratio

Objective

Build a lightweight tower, load it until it fails, and use the strength to mass ratio to guide improvements.

STEM concepts

CompressionBucklingBracingEfficiency
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Materials and safety
Step-by-step instructions
Prediction, test sheet and results
Why does it work, challenge and project report

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