Paper Towers

Think you can build a tower that beats the rest?

In this hands on challenge, students will work in small teams to design and build the tallest tower possible using only paper, strong enough to support a stack of books. Through folding, rolling, and structuring their designs, they’ll explore how simple materials can become surprisingly strong.

As they build, test, and improve, students will discover how different shapes and techniques affect stability and strength. They’ll experiment, adapt, and refine their ideas in a fast paced engineering challenge that rewards creativity and smart thinking.

This workshop blends engineering, teamwork, and problem solving in a fun and practical way, making it perfect 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