Strongest Chain
Estimated Time:
45-60 Minutes
Level:
2-3
Challenge question:
Can you design a strong chain using weak materials?
Your chain must be at least 12 inches long and able to hold the most weight for at least 10 seconds.
questions to initiate brainstorming:
How do we generally construct a chain? --Many connected parts. One piece alone may not be very strong, but when the pieces work together, the chain can hold heavy things.
How can you spread the weight out in your chain? --You can spread the weight out by making wider links, using thicker or folded materials, adding more support at the connections, or making sure the force is shared evenly across the chain.
Which parts will be the weakest? --Usually the weakest part is where the links connect, where the material is thin, bent too much, or only taped a little.
Suggested supplies:
**These are the supplies we keep stocked for our GenSTEM projects. We find it easiest to have a core set of supplies always available. You may not use all of these supplies on every project.
Reusable Supplies
-
Cardboard cutter
-
Scissors
-
Hot glue gun station
-
Hole punch
Consumable Supplies
-
Pipe cleaners
-
Tape
-
Straws
-
String
-
Popsicle sticks
-
Notecards
-
Assortment of craft (pom-poms, beads, etc.)
Recycling
-
Cardboard
-
Toilet paper rolls
-
Egg cartons
-
Bottle caps
