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Back to Educator Index | Shapes Lab Educator Support
You'll test the stability of a triangle and a square by standing them on a table and pressing down on them. The one that changes shape the least is the most stable.
(per group of two)
- 10-15 minutes
- 7 drinking straws
- 14 paper clips
Predict which shape will be more stable. Why do you think so?
- With your partner, build a triangle and a square from the straws and paper clips. To connect two straws, slip the wide end of a paper clip into the end of one straw. Hook a second paper clip to the first. Now insert the wide end of the second clip into a second straw.
- Now compare the stability of the shapes. Stand each shape up, and press down on the top corner, as shown. What happens? How much does each one bend and twist? How hard can you press down on each shape before it collapses?
Compare the results of your tests on the triangle and square. Which shape was more stable? What do you think made it more stable? How might this shape be used in large structures?
- Can you reinforce the less stable shape by adding no more than two straws and four paper clips? Try it out.
- Although at first kids can tape their bridges to the desks or other side supports, they may be able to remove the tape and still support the weight of the baseball.
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