We're here to help you navigate STEM learning at home while schools and camps are closed due to COVID-19.

Here are some resources to guide your at home learning:

Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
Length, area, ratio, stability, forces
Green blocks are stacked low and wide while red block are stacked narrow and high

Introduction

If you have ever built a tower with blocks, you have probably knocked it over—either on purpose, or by accident. Sometimes your tower gets too tall and wobbly, and you just cannot keep it standing! In this activity, you will learn about the trade-offs you need to make when building a tower that is both tall and stable.

Credits

Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Toy cardboard or wooden blocks, or an assortment of empty cardboard boxes (cereal/tissue/shoe boxes, etc.). Do not use plastic snap-together blocks like LEGO® bricks.
  • Optional: chair to stand on, or an adult to help you put blocks at the top of your tower.
  • Pencil and paper
Next: Instructions

Reviews

|
Science Buddies |
Was this review helpful?
Report Inappropriate Comment
Be the first one to review this activity.
Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
Length, area, ratio, stability, forces
icon scientific method

Ask an Expert

Curious about the science?
Post your question for our scientists.

Log In to Leave a Review

Explore Our Science Videos

Vibration & Sound: Make Sprinkles Dance
Gel Electrophoresis and Forensic Science: Biotechnology Science Fair Project
Two-Stage Balloon Rocket Introduction
Free science fair projects.