Straw Structure Lab Packet

Name: _____________________ Date: ___________
Science 6 - ______ Lab # _______

Constructing a Straw Structure

Problem: How can we construct a straw structure at least 1 meter high that is able to
stand on its own and withstand at least 250 grams of mass at its highest
point for at least 1 minute?

Pre – Lab questions to discuss.
Jot down answers in your lab book.

1. What are the best shapes to use for a tall structure?
2. What kinds of support does your structure need to continue standing
as you build up?
3. What are some good ways to build a foundation, or base, for a tall structure?
4. If you were going to design a building, how would you determine how strong
it would need to be?
5. How do you think the material from which a building is made affects its strength?


Gather Information:

As a group discuss what different types of straws and paperclips you could use and write down this information below.

Discuss the different shapes you could construct and possible number of straws and clips you plan on using in your structure. Meaning do you think you should use a lot or minimize the amount? Write this info below.

Paper Clips Straws Shapes Quantity












Form a Hypothesis:

Sketch your group’s design plan below and develop a hypothesis that is a suggested solution to the problem stated above. Write this hypothesis on the lines provided below.
Ex. - If we use straight straws and small clips with a big base, than our structure will be able to stand and support more than 250 grams.






Hypothesis:



Record and Analyze your Observations

At the end of each period (~ 5 minutes prior to the bell ringing) sketch your structure and count the approximate number of straws and paper clips it is made up of. Record these numbers on the side of your drawing. Jot down observations you are making in regard to your structures durability to stand on its own and later withstand weight.

Analyze your drawing and notes each night and write down one or two ideas on how to improve your group’s structure. Share these thoughts with one another the following day and continue to work on meeting your goal.



Date ________


Drawing Notes






Ideas for Improvement:

1.

2.




Date ________


Drawing Notes







Ideas for Improvement:

1.

2.



Date ________


Drawing Notes






Ideas for Improvement:

1.

2.




Date ________


Drawing Notes





Ideas for Improvement:

1.

2.




Draw A Conclusion

Draw a final sketch of your structure below and count ( an approximate ) and record the total approximate number of straws and paper clips you used.





_______ straws

______ paper clips






Answer the following questions below using complete sentences. Be sure to rephrase part of the question in your answer.



Did your group meet the goals of the project? Explain.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Was your hypothesis confirmed (was it correct) or did it need to be changed? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Extension:

Read the handout about what gives a structure support (beams and columns) then highlight the beams in yellow and the columns in red on the sketch of your model structure above.


Using the same handout determine the total dead load of your structure. Show your work below. Remember each straw weighs approximately .7 grams and each paper clip weighs approximately .5 grams. Use the total numbers you recorded in your conclusion section to complete this task.