Strong Structures
What is a structure?
Something that is built
What is a base?
The bottom of a structure
Which two materials will students use to build the tower?
Spaghetti and marshmallows
What is the goal of the tower challenge?
Build the tallest tower that stands by itself
What do scientists and engineers do?
Ask questions and test ideas
What helps a tower stay standing?
A. Balance
B. Stability
C. Strong supports
D. All of the above
What does stable mean?
Able to stand without falling
What is one quality of spaghetti?
It is lightweight
What should engineers do before they build?
Make a plan or design
What comes first in the engineering process?
Identify a problem or ask a question
Which base is usually more stable for a tall tower?
A wide base
What is a support?
Something that helps hold a structure together
Why are marshmallows useful in the tower challenge?
They can connect pieces of spaghetti
What is a prediction?
A guess about what may happen
What does it mean to observe?
To look closely and notice what happens
What may happen if a tall tower has a very small base?
It may fall over
What does balance mean?
Keeping weight spread out so something does not tip
What may happen if spaghetti bends or breaks?
The tower may become weaker
What should engineers do if their tower falls?
Make changes and try again
Which order shows the engineering process?
Question → Design → Test → Observe → Revise
Why do some buildings have beams and supports?
To help hold the building together
What does it mean to revise a design?
Make changes to improve it
Why must engineers think about their materials?
Materials have different strengths and weaknesses
Which action shows good engineering?
Plan, test, observe, and improve
Why is it okay for engineers to make mistakes?
Mistakes can help engineers learn and improve designs