9th Grade Cube Challenge
Strength of Shapes Information Video
https://youtu.be/AoS0UvVfxRQ
Instructions
9th grade cube challenge
1 cube per student.
Cube must be 4 inches by 4 inches. No exceptions.
You are given 10 sticks of balsa wood. You will not be given any more.
Use graph paper to lay out design, and to ensure gluing process remains square.
No overlapping of sticks or laminating of sticks.
Winning cube will hold the most weight.
Use your engineering skills to make the strongest cube you can!
Rubric
9th Grade Cube Challenge Rubric
points | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
size | 3 sides incorrect | 2 sides incorrect | 1 side incorrect | Perfect 4x4 cube |
materials | 3 or more sticks left over | 2 full sticks left over | One full stick left over | No waste |
construction | Sloppy construction | Loose joints, excess glue | All tight joints | Tight joints, no excess glue |
testing | Held under 19 pounds | Held 20-49 pounds | Held 50-100 pounds | Held over 100 pounds |
total | /40 |
Example
This is an image of a finished balsa wood cube being tested. I use books as weights, stacked on top of cube. We have had cubes that held over 200 pounds!
Materials needed
balsa wood sticks (Popsicle sticks could be used, but they will be much stronger!)
white glue
ruler
scissors
graph paper
pencil
link for purchase
https://www.pitsco.com/Balsa-Wood-MegaPack