"Same rules, but who can hold the ball the highest?"
Raven grins and grabs a ruler.
Nova hovers by the table. "I will count ten seconds for every tower."
Straws, tape and triangles everywhere!
A clear goal has a number you can measure.
A load pushes down on a build.
Squares can squish. Triangles hold their shape.
Keep the same ball so the test is fair.
◇ FAMILY HIGHEST BALL BUILD-OFF
Each team gets 12 straws and tape. Use the same ball for every team. Build for ten minutes. Set the ball on top and count to ten. Measure each ball height.
For a grown-up
Help cut straws if a builder asks. Ask: where did you use triangles? Celebrate towers that lean too. Ask what they would change.
Safety first
A grown-up does all cutting. No throwing the ball indoors.
BUILD DAY CHECK
Read the question.
Tap your answer.
Your tower leans when the ball goes on. What can help?
HIGHEST BALL
Read the question.
Tap your answer.
Two towers hold the ball. One is 6 inches, one is 9. Which wins?
A tower holds the ball for eight seconds. Does it count?