STEM Skills Challenge
Newspaper Table
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Using only newspaper and
tape, design and build a
table that will support the
most weight.
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http://www.StarfishEdcuation.com
STEM Skills Challenge– Newspaper Table
Challenge:
Using only newspaper and tape, work with your team to design and build a table that will support
the most weight.
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Materials:
Newspapers (8 sheets per team)
Masking tape (or other inexpensive tape)
Ruler
Procedure/ Set-Up:
Students will work to design and construct a sturdy table out of newspaper. The table must be at
least eight inches in any direction and student may use a maximum of 8 “double page” pieces of
newspaper and one roll of masking tape. After some experimentation, students will come to the
conclusion that when they roll newspaper it has more strength. They will also learn that it can be
bent into different shapes for strength and stability. As students experiment with the different
shapes, they will learn that triangles are the strongest shape. Once students have completed their
tables, set books on top of each table one by one to determine which table will support the most
weight.
Debriefing Questions:
As you experimented with the newspaper, how did you make it strong enough to support weight?
Global Awaren
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Did you use exemplars in the room to assist you in your design? How did furniture in your
classroom help you design your newspaper table?
What design issues did you encounter in this challenge? How did you work with your team to
overcome them?
For more STEM Challenges, visit: http://www.StarfishEdcuation.com