Challenge: Highest Structure

The challenge that we were given yesterday was very interesting. Mr. Chung separated the class into 8 groups and provided us with 5 sheets of newspaper and some masking tape. Our objective was to build the highest structure with the given materials. Jacqueline, Juliet, and I sat at the table and put our heads together to discuss about the physics our structure should have. After a few minutes, Juliet came up with the idea of making a triangular prism base which later developed into a square based pyramid. Each of us took a sheet of paper, cut it in half, and rolled the paper in such a way that it would make a long, firm leg of the base. Our group displayed great teamwork, listening to each other's opinions. However, the flaw with our structure was that we had not thought about the weight distribution of the erect pieces of newspaper. We rolled every piece the same size and the same thickness. Furthermore, our most top part was too heavy in comparison to the other pieces of newspaper supporting the top. In the end, our structure unfortunately collapsed; nevertheless, Mr. Chung complimented the architecture of our structure, and that was enough to make us feel good. From this activity, I have learned that all calculations must be precise in physics. The miscalculation we had made with the top pieces rendered our impeccable base, I would say, powerless. Although it would have been much better if our structure actually stood with rigidity, I value the experience and the lesson that I have attained from this activity.

Our fallen structure... But it's okay :).