THE STRAW TOWER CONTEST

Object: To build the tallest free-standing structure with drinking straws.

Materials 50 straws, 3 feet of tape.

Rules:

• The structure must be built in 30 minutes by one person only. Coaching from the sidelines is not allowed.
• There will not be any special timing for late students.
• Contestants must remain at ground level while constructing their tower. No ladder, chair, stool or other device of this type may be used to erect the tower.
• The tower must be free standing on a smooth floor. It cannot be anchored with tape or pins.
• All towers must stand for 2 minutes after the 30 minute time limit to be sure they are stable. Students are responsible for shielding their tower from bumps and errant breezes during this time. They cannot re-erect a tower that has fallen over.

Judging: The judges will measure the height of the tower at its highest point perpendicular to the floor.
Selected Reading: Design Technology: Children's Engineering, ISBN 1-85000-590-7