Scholars view the film Reach for the Skies to learn about the Shangai Tower. Following a discussion and observation of premade shapes, pairs design and construct a tower using uncooked pasta, straws, newspaper, tape, and marshmallows. The challenge is to make a tall tower that can withstand strong winds. Learners face this challenge by blowing on their tower and then discuss their findings with the class.

Concepts

buildings, skyscrapers, engineers, engineering, engineering design, natural disasters, typhoons, wind

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Place copies of the My Tall Tower Plan worksheet inside plastic paper protectors; direct pairs to draw using dry-erase markers for easy erasing and redesigning if needed
• Celebrate the successful completion of the activity with clean, untouched marshmallows for a snack 
• Gather a collection of picture books that showcase tall towers; display them and allow pupils to browse them when time permits

Classroom Considerations

• The lesson may be broken into smaller parts
• Read the Teacher Notes section for preparation tips and requirements
• Graphics look best printed in color; otherwise, mirror the image from your computer to the television or SMART board

Pros

• The plan notes how long each section takes to complete
• Includes an extension portion to take the learning further
• Encourages the teacher to ask guiding questions to lead participants to a solution without offering the solution directly

Cons

• None