2. Building a Structure
Problem: Build the tallest possible structure using only the materials provided.
Materials: 5 pieces of blank paper and 0.5m masking tape
Rules:
1. The structure must be self-supporting.
2. No other materials can be used.
3. A sketch of the structure must be provided with names on it to be handed in (use paper from
your binder).
4. You may work with a partner.
YOU HAVE 10 MINUTES TO COMPLETE THIS
3. Structures
Structure: is any object that provides support.
Ex: The chair you're sitting on.
The desk you write on.
A bus you ride in.
The pencil you write with.
4. Structures
Structural strength: how much
force/load a structure can withstand
without failing
Structural stability: how well a
structure can stay standing when
forces are applied to it
5. Structures
There are 3 basic structural forms:
1) Solid/Mass Structure: Formed from
solid pieces of strong material. Usually
the strongest structure but
the heaviest to move.
7. Structures
3) Shell Structure:
◦ Solid outer surface (which may be
rounded) with hollow inside
◦ Lighter than solid structures but
stronger than frame structures
◦ A curved outer surface is stronger
because the load is equally distributed