9.3 ASSIGNMENT: Science in Action - Design a Structure (Due Oct. 26)

ASSIGNMENT:  Design a Structure

Points Value: 20 

Since we have been learning about gravity this week you will design two structures that will support a load for this assignment.

You will need: 

• 4 pieces of paper (any type will work as long as they are the same type for all 4 pieces) 
• scissors
• about 16 inches of tape (like gift wrap tape or the clear tape - not duct tape) 
• Some heavy items that are flat and that you can stack - like big books or flat weight lifting weights, etc
• The assignment worksheet. The link is below the directions.  

Directions: 

Once you have your supplies you will need to build two different structures. You will use 2 pieces of paper and 8 inches of tape for each. You don't have to use the tape if you don't need it, but you can if you want. You can fold the paper or cut it any way you want, but you need to form a structure out of the paper that can support the most weight possible. You could roll the paper into tubes, you can fold it like a fan, you can fold both pieces together, you can cut the paper and fold the pieces into individual shapes, you can fold it any way you want, but it needs to support the weight at least 1 inch above the table or ground. 

Click HERE to see some examples of structures students made last year. 

Once you have built both of your structures, take a picture of them and then predict which one you think will hold the most books (or whatever you are using for your weight), then start stacking the books on top of your folded paper structure. Then when you are done take a picture of the one that held the most books with all of the books (or whatever you used) on top of it. Show me how much weight it held. Your structure might be crushed, but that is okay - just show me what it was able to hold. Then explain why you think your winning structure held the most weight. Insert your pictures and answer your questions on the worksheet (link below). 

Click HERE to open the Design a Structure Assignment. Then follow the directions below.

1. The worksheet will open in Google Docs
2. Choose File then Make a Copy  (this will give you a version that you can type in)
3. Complete the assignment and save the document in Google Docs as LASTNAME Assignment Name (ex. JENSEN Design a Structure).
4. When you are finished click Share in the right hand corner
5. Under Who Has Access click Change
6. Choose People at Mountain Heights Academy who have the link can view
7. Choose from the drop down Access field: Allow anyone at Mountain Heights Academy to Edit and then click Save. (Checking this box allows your instructor to write comments on your assignment)
8. Copy the Link to the document (the top field of the Sharing Settings window)
9. To submit your assignment, in Moodle click Add Submission
10. Paste the link to your Google Doc in the box
11. Click Save Changes to submit your assignment.