Two Event Leaders are suggested. Duties include: setting up, supplying fresh materials before and during each event, timing, measuring, and calculating total points.
Activity:
Students try to build the tallest straw structure using only 2 inch pieces of 1/2 inch wide masking tape, and standard-sized drinking straws. If they wish, they may use scissors for cutting, and small paper clips.
One 3-inch piece of tape can be used to help anchor the structure to the ground. The final structure needs to stand on its own for at least 8 seconds.
Points:
Teams
gain 5 points for each centimeter in height they gain on a structure that can stand
at least 8 seconds.
Each class has the choice of being one team, or may choose to be divided into two teams. If they have decided to go with two teams, the total height of each resulting structure will be added together, then averaged (divided by 2) for their final score.
Rules:
- 20-minute time limit ... Team leader should call out time passed, especially during last 5 minutes.
- Choice of one or two teams- 2 - 6 on each team (no one-man teams & no more than 8 total from one classroom) ... one structure for each of those teams (see point system, above)
- Students are started with plenty of materials, and are re-supplied in straws, tape & paper clips
- Students may ask for measurements throughout. Tallest height officially measured will be kept as final score. No more than 3 official measurements allowed during the event. Once they have committed to their final measurement, and have been officially measured, they will not be measured again.
- Teams have the option of ending their construction when they think they have “maxed out” their ability to go higher.
- Students are not allowed to stand on chairs at any time. They must find ways to master the height problem.
- They may “tie their structure to the ground” with no more than one, continuous 3” piece of tape (this piece may lose its stickiness, .and may be replaced throughout the event (no limit).
- Tape for structure building must be ~ 2 inches or less. They may not tape pieces together to make a long ribbon, but they may layer it.
- Teams may support their structure (hold on to it) until it is measured, or may build it on the floor, and “lift” it into position as the time limit approaches.
- Measurement will be taken at its highest point after 8 seconds of free standing.
- Once 20 minutes are up, the team must stop building.
Role of the Challenge Leaders:
- Make this as fun and exciting for the students as you can make it. Don’t be afraid to encourage clapping from the audience or from the teams themselves.
- Keep track of the passing time for the students, especially during the last 5 minutes. Keep calling out the last minutes and seconds. They must stop building at the designated time.
- Keep track of Rules (listed above)
- If a structure has stood by itself for 8 seconds, measure it quickly from its highest point since it could begin sagging. Ladder should be in place if it looks like you will need it.
- If there is ever any doubt as to a result, always give the benefit of the doubt to the student. We don’t want to give points away, but this is a feel good contest.
- Whatever their score ... make all of them feel successful. Shake their hands as they head off.
- Clean up between events (magnet might help gather paper clips if you wish)
- If possible, save as many of the structures as you can, so we can get pictures of them up on the web at the end of the event. Place in an unobvious place, morning competition, so children can’t see previous efforts from other classes.
- Please clean up area and “repackage” anything worth saving. Take balloons (please pop them) and tape off of sign.
- If time, tape structures to wall for awards assembly