Paper Architecture Challenge!
Paper Architecture Lab: Students analyze how a column's geometric properties determine the weight loads it can bear.
PLAN: The students will work in self-selected teams to create, measure and test columns of varying lengths, widths, or shapes to see which elements make them stronger and able to support more weight. Students will form a hypothesis before beginning the testing of columns. Students will control some variables in order to compare the results of changing only one element of the columns (different lengths, circumferences, heights, or cross-section shapes) to test for strength. Measurements must be made for each type of column in similar conditions. Students will record data and communicate their conclusions. |