It's All about the Base (or is it?) · Connected Through Play

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It's All about the Base (or is it?)

Today's build is all about the base and testing hypothesis. Simple everyday materials are used and you can get the twist and age variation suggestions by heading to the Build Lab in the Classroom area. Want to see the full task in one view go to #The Base Race

A strong structure begins at the bottom. Test different bases to discover how width, shape, and weight can help the same tower stand firm or send it wobbling.

Gather Your Gear:

Choose from materials you already have:

Cardboard or paper plates
Index cards or sturdy paper
Plastic cups
Blocks or small boxes
Painter’s tape or masking tape
Coins, washers, or other small weights
Ruler or measuring tape
A small fan or piece of cardboard for testing

You do not need every item. You will need enough materials to make several different bases and one small tower.

Steps:

Build one test tower. Make a simple tower that can be lifted and moved without changing its design. Keep it small enough to test several times.
Create three different bases. Try changing one base feature at a time:

Narrow or wide
Triangle or square
Lightweight or weighted
Flat or folded

Make your predictions. Arrange the bases from most stable to least stable. Explain why you chose that order.
Place the tower on the first base. Center it as carefully as possible.
Test the tower. Choose one gentle test and use it consistently:

Tap the table lightly three times.
Fan the tower three times with a piece of cardboard.
Place a small fan the same distance from each base.
Slowly tilt a sturdy board or tray beneath it with adult help.

Repeat the test with every base. Keep the tower and testing method the same so the base is the main feature that changes.
Compare the results. Consider:

Which base kept the tower standing?
Which base allowed the most movement?
Did the tower slide, sway, lean, or tip?
What did the most successful bases have in common?

Design a winning base. Use what you discovered to make a new base that combines two helpful features.
Test your winning design. Decide whether it performs better than the original bases and explain why.

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It's All about the Base (or is it?)