Happy Thanksgiving!

Remember as far as anyone knows, we're a nice normal family.
-- Homer Simpson

Invention Convention- Straw Towers

Could you build a tower using only 50 straws and tape that would support a tennis ball?  How tall could you make your tower?  What would be the key to building a tall tower that would support weight?

These are the questions we set out to answer and conquer with this month's invention convention!  It was great fun seeing how everyone set out to solve the problem and although Jacob and Grant were upset that they couldn't wear their tower as a HAT to make it the tallest tower, we all had a great time!

never too young to tackle a challenge!

Tori!

2nd tallest tower, he removed the top level or it would have been the tallest!

tallest tower!

my sample tower, I haven't gotten any better at making things "square" since the bridges last year!

email sent to group prior to the event:

What:  Invention Convention Straw Towers

When:  Wednesday November 2, 2011 12 PM
Where:  Miami Riverview Park
Who:  Homeschoolers of all ages.  Children 12 and under will be expected to have a parent/responsible adult on premises with them during activities, Teens 13 and up may be dropped off.
RSVP:  Laura Riesenberg

What will be provided:  tennis ball for tower testing, scissors (although I am not sure that they will be needed)

What each family needs to bring: 
*50 drink straws per tower you wish to build (children can work individually or as a team)

*tape

*lunch or snacks/drinks for your family if you plan to hang out afterwards.

The object of this project is to design/build a tower out of straws and tape ONLY that will support a tennis ball!

Here is a link to the idea behind the project: http://www.northcanton.sparcc.org/~hck/cgi-bin/wq_teacher_page.pl?id=tda1nc&wq=1

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Laura