Newspaper Towers

In this hands-on challenge, students will work in small teams to design and build a tower using only newspaper, aiming to hold as much weight as possible. By rolling, folding, and layering the paper, they’ll explore how everyday materials can be transformed into strong, load-bearing structures.

As they build, test, and improve, students will investigate how different shapes and construction techniques affect strength and stability under load. They’ll experiment, adapt, and refine their designs in a fast-paced engineering challenge that rewards smart thinking and efficient use of materials.

This workshop blends engineering, teamwork, and problem solving in a fun, practical way, making it ideal for homeschool learners.

Learning Outcomes

• Engineering and design
  Understand how structure, shape, and material use affect strength and stability

• Systems thinking
  Explore how different parts of a structure work together to support weight

• Problem solving and iteration
  Test designs, identify weaknesses, and improve through rapid prototyping

• Creativity and innovation
  Experiment with folding, rolling, and shaping techniques to strengthen builds

• Teamwork and communication
  Collaborate in small groups to plan, build, and refine a shared design