Paper Plate Towers

Challenge
Student groups have to build the tallest tower with paper plates. Groups cannot cut with scissors or tape the plates together or down to the surface. Groups can manipulate the plates any other way they would like to. Additional plates will not be given to groups after they may have altered them.

Materials  

• 25-30 paper plates

Hints and Tips for Success

1. Allow students planning and discussion time before building since plates are hard to change once they have been altered.
2. Find a common surface where all groups can construct the tower.
3. For differentiation, add/take away plates or change paper plate types (styrofoam, brand).
4. A strong base does wonders.
5. Simple designs seem to work best.