August Build Lab: Stands. Stacks, and Wobbles

🔥

We've spent time in the kitchen, focused on world building, and now, it's time to physically build. I hope you enjoy this lab series as much as I enjoyed putting it together. How about a show of hands (drop your gif or emoji below), do you like building or do you have a young builder, future engineer, or construction worker in your family?

Let's see if we can pass the Wobble Test. For an extra twist and activity variations by age, visit the Build Lab by clicking Classrooms at the top of the screen. #Wobble Watchers provides more detailed instructions. I've attached the Build Journal and the Activity card for quick reference.

Some structures stand firm while others lean, jiggle, or tumble with the slightest bump. Become wobble detectives and investigate what makes a structure stable.

Gather Your Gear:

Choose several building materials you already have:

Plastic cups
Blocks
Small boxes
Cardboard tubes
Index cards or scrap cardboard
Craft sticks
Painter’s tape or masking tape
A small fan or piece of cardboard for testing

You do not need every item. Choose enough materials to build three small structures.

Steps:

1️⃣ Build three structures. Use the same collection of materials to make:

One you think will stand firmly
One that leans
One that wobbles

2️⃣ Look for clues. Examine each structure without touching it. Consider:

How wide is its base?
Where are the heaviest pieces?
Are the pieces centered or uneven?
Is it tall compared with its base?
Are any parts loose or poorly connected?

3️⃣ Make your predictions. Arrange the structures from most stable to least stable. Explain what you think will happen during the test.

Test the structures. Choose one gentle test and use it consistently:
Tap the table lightly three times.
Fan each structure with a piece of cardboard.
Place a small fan the same distance from each structure.
Watch closely. Notice which parts move first. Does the structure sway from the top, slide at the bottom, bend in the middle, or tip to one side?

4️⃣Choose the wobbliest structure. Change only one feature: