Towering Toothpick Disaster Project printable pdf download

Towering Toothpick Disaster Project

Due: ________

Problem: Design and build an “earthquake resistant” structure. Once you have built your

structure, you will actually test its “earthquake resistance” by placing it on a specially designed

Shake Rattle and Roll Earthquake Board. Then, your structure will be subjected to the “weight

test.”

Materials: wood glue, craft sticks, cotton swabs, wax paper, Shake Rattle and Roll Earthquake

Board, and load plates, sewing thread (optional and minimal amounts)

Requirements:

1. The tower must be at least 30 cm tall and no more than 40 cm tall

2. The base of the tower must be no more than 12 cm wide and 12 cm deep

3. The tower must be “free standing”. It may not have a base other than one made of craft

sticks. In other words, it may not be attached to cardboard, wood, or any other material.

4. The tower must be constructed with no more than 125 craft sticks (11.4 cm x .95 cm)

5. The tower must have a flat roof and floor.

6. Your tower must be able to survive a 30 second earthquake with vertical and horizontal

forces. Also, the tower should be able to sustain more than a 50 lb load plate.

7. All entries must also submit the following information:

An Earthquake Tower Design sheet (8.5x11) labeled with measurements

A “real-life” size Earthquake Tower Wall and Floor Design sheet (11x17 two graph

sheets taped together) labeled with measurements



Detailed progress log of hours worked on project, problems encountered, and

improvements made, amount of materials used (number of craft sticks, amount of

glue, and amount of thread). 

8. Check the rubric details while completing the project to make sure you will earn the

maximum points possible. Ask questions! Research designs. Make sure to allot time for

drying of glue and possible changes to your tower. Have fun!!

Construction Procedure:

1. Brainstorm the type of design you want to build. How tall should it be? How many floors

should it have? How many walls should it have? What design should be used for the

walls? When designing your walls, you may increase the strength of these structural

components by adding joists and support beams. The following diagrams show

examples of various structural components. You may want to use these components, as

shown, in your design, or you might want to make up your own designs. For maximum

strength, your design should be symmetrical. Create an Earthquake Tower Design

Sketch of your tower.

Towering Toothpick Disaster Project