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In this design challenge activity, learners use tubes of newspaper to make a table that’s at least eight inches tall and strong enough to hold a heavy book! Learners follow the design process to build a sturdy table out of paper tubes, make paper support more weight by changing its shape, and figure out ways to keep the table legs from buckling.
- Under 5 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 1 piece of cardboard or chipboard (approximately 8 1/2 x 11 inches)
- heavy book (e.g., a textbook or telephone book)
- masking tape
- 8 sheets of newspaper
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Civil Engineering
-
Technology
- Construction
-
Engineering
-
Mathematics
-
Geometry
- Plane Geometry
-
Geometry
-
Physical Sciences
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
The Design Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
- Learner handout (English PDF)
- Learner handout (Spanish PDF)
- Leader Notes
- Cardboard Furniture Episode (video)
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Source Collection
- Design Squad Nation
Rights:
- All rights reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, 2010
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation, 0810996