Building Straw Towers

When I say tower, what are some images that

come to mind?
What are some purposes of towers in the real
world?
What are some design challenges you would
need to consider when building a tower?

Eiffel Tower
---France

Twin Towers--New York

Leaning Tower of Pisa--Italy

Light
House

Hearst Tower---North
Carolina

Design Challenge
You have been stranded on an island in the middle of the Pacific
Ocean. In order to be saved, you must build a tower that can hold
a light. This is how you can signal for help. It is very windy on
your island, so your tower must be able to hold the light (tennis
ball) in the wind.

Parameters
1. You must work in a group of four or five.
2. The competition will close in 3 days.
Day 1
3. You must first make a prediction about whether or not a tower can
hold a tennis ball.
4. You must then make a drawing of your design and write about what
you will do.
Day 2
5. Once the drawing is completed you can collect your materials.
6. You can only use 40 straws and a meter of tape. You may bend or cut
your straws.
7. You must describe your design and draw a picture.
Day 3
8. You must test your design to see if it can hold a tennis ball and
withstand wind.
9. You must evaluate your design and what you learned. Did it work or
not, and why? What would you do differently?