Hands-on Activity: Gummy Tower

Who will create the best design?

Activity based on “Leaning Tower of Pasta”Source: Digital Library, TeachEngineering, http://www.teachengineering.org

Gummy Tower

Engineers work with architects and scientists to understand

what makes materials break. They use what they learn to

design strong structures.

Engineers may be able to find very strong materials but they

cannot use them in a structure because the materials are too

expensive.

How do really tall buildings stay up?

How do sky scrapers

resist wind?

How can buildings support people?

Real-world connectionStructural engineers are a key part of the design

and construction team, working alongside architects

and other professionals. Together they create all kinds of

structures from houses, stadiums, hospitals, bridges, oil

rigs, space satellites, and so on!

Structural engineers are specialists in design,

construction, repair, conversion and conservation. They

are concerned with all aspects of a structure and its

stability.

Source: The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)." How to Become a Structural Engineer. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Aug. 2014.

Gummy TowerJust like an engineer, today you will be constrained!

Using limited materials, your job is to design and

build a structure that is as tall and strong as

possible, using only gummy bears and toothpicks.

VocabularyThink about what forces will be acting upon your

structure

Compression is when parts are pushed together

Tension is when parts are pulled apart

Load is the weight or mass a structure supports

Questions to Consider Prior to ActivityIs it better to have the toothpick or a gummy bear under

tension? Under compression?

Is it better to have the toothpick or a gummy bear under

compression?

How will you design the tallest, strongest structure using

limited resources?

Instructions

Break into Groups of 4 Evaluate Materials

Brainstorm designs for your structure

Take 10 minutes and build the tallest

and strongest structure possible

Post-Activity DiscussionHow tall was your structure?

How much weight did you put on your structure

before it fell?

Why do you think some buildings held more weight

than others before falling?

What materials would you choose next time if you

were to build a structure? Why?