Brick-Tower Design Project
The Project:
The goal of this project was to construct a tower of maximum height that would support the weight of a brick for 30 seconds. The winner would be determined through a formula: Height Squared, divided by the width of the base. Whichever design resulted in the highest number, based on this formula, was the winner. The criteria for the project was that the structure had to be free-standing and constructed only of two manila file folders, masking tape, and rubber bands.
The Design:
This design was created using the lessons learned from the Golf Ball Design Project. Instead of a cylindrical design, a star-shaped base was used, to prevent tilting in any one direction. The two file folders were attached much more securely together, to ensure better balance as well.
The Results:
The design for the Brick-Tower was much more successful than the design of its predecessor, it held the brick for the full required amount of time. It was 22.25 inches tall, with a base of 4.375 inches in diameter. This resulted in a point total of 113, and a final grade of 35 out of a possible 50 points (eighth place).
Experience, lessons learned:
One the valuable experience gained through this project was the concept of planning. Much more extensive planning was done for this design than on earlier projects, and as a result, this design was much more successful. The experience also shone a light on individuality. The unusual star shaped design created greater structural strength and balance, which allowed it to hold the brick for the full time period.
The goal of this project was to construct a tower of maximum height that would support the weight of a brick for 30 seconds. The winner would be determined through a formula: Height Squared, divided by the width of the base. Whichever design resulted in the highest number, based on this formula, was the winner. The criteria for the project was that the structure had to be free-standing and constructed only of two manila file folders, masking tape, and rubber bands.
The Design:
This design was created using the lessons learned from the Golf Ball Design Project. Instead of a cylindrical design, a star-shaped base was used, to prevent tilting in any one direction. The two file folders were attached much more securely together, to ensure better balance as well.
The Results:
The design for the Brick-Tower was much more successful than the design of its predecessor, it held the brick for the full required amount of time. It was 22.25 inches tall, with a base of 4.375 inches in diameter. This resulted in a point total of 113, and a final grade of 35 out of a possible 50 points (eighth place).
Experience, lessons learned:
One the valuable experience gained through this project was the concept of planning. Much more extensive planning was done for this design than on earlier projects, and as a result, this design was much more successful. The experience also shone a light on individuality. The unusual star shaped design created greater structural strength and balance, which allowed it to hold the brick for the full time period.