Compression Challenge: How Much Can It Hold? (en español)

When civil engineers design a building, they must calculate the total compressive load that will be at work in the structure: this tells engineers how much weight the bottom of the building must be able to hold up. Compression is a squeezing force: the bottom of the building is compressed from the upward force exerted on it by the ground below and the downward force of the weight above. To do this, they take into account the anticipated load (weight) resulting from how people will use the building and the weight of the structure itself. Based on these (and other) calculations, materials with appropriate properties for carrying the weight are chosen, and structural components (such as columns and beams) are designed to provide adequate support and weight distribution. These calculations are important so that engineers can build safe, stable buildings.

Procedures Overview

Students work in teams of two. Their goal is to support the designated weight (5 textbooks) at a height of at least five inches above the ground for 15 seconds with only a limited amount of materials. They first brainstorm and sketch out their design ideas, then they build their structures. Once completed, they place the weight (books) on their structures to see how much they can hold before collapsing.

Brainstorming and Design

• Organize students into groups of two and hand out one sheet of paper to each team. Inform them that this paper is for sketching their design ideas only and that they cannot use it in the construction of their structures.
• Show students the available supplies; inform them that they do not get any replacement or additional supplies.
• Tell students that their goal is to support weight (books) at least five inches above the ground for 15 seconds. Show them the books their structures must support.
• Give students 10 minutes to brainstorm their ideas in their groups. Tell them to include measurements in their sketches. Circulate around the room and talk to each group about its design.Examples of student constructions.

Construction and Testing

• Hand out supplies to the teams. Remind them that they do not get any replacement supplies and that they cannot use their sketch paper in their constructions.
• Inform students that they have 20 minutes to build their structures.
• When students have completed construction, it is time for testing. One at a time, have teams come to the front of the room, and explain their designs to the class. Then, have them set up the design on the floor, place the wooden board across the structure(s), and add weights (books) one at a time—wait 15 seconds between each addition of weight.
• If time permits, allow students to redesign their structures: encourage them to think creatively about their designs and what they might change to make improvements. They may wish to try a double decker structure. You may give out additional supplies for improved designs; however, they are only allowed to use five index cards per level.

Wrap Up - Thought Questions

• Which designs worked the best? Why?
• Which designs were not successful? Why not?
• Which shapes are effective supporters of weight?
• How would you change your design if you were to do this activity again?

This resource was modified from The Squeeze Is On to create a shorter, more streamlined version suitable for informal learning settings.

This resource is also available in Spanish.