9th Grade Cube Challenge
Strength of Shapes Information Video
https://youtu.be/AoS0UvVfxRQ
After viewing the video, students will be asked to consider how this challenge could be applicable to a real-life problem. Create a brainstorming chart. How might engineers attempt to solve this problem?
Create a list of questions to be answered by completing the challenge. This document will be used in the final reflection document created by students.
Instructions
9th grade cube challenge
The rubric will be shared with students prior to the start of work.
1 cube per student or student pair, if support is needed.
Cube must be 4 inches by 4 inches.
You are given 10 sticks of balsa wood. Students will have 3 attempts to create the strongest design. Students may collaborate on design ideas, but must construct independently or with partner. Teacher assistance and guidance will be available.
Previous design graphs will be available for reference, providing support for students who are experiencing challenges in design. Students may study these designs for assistance, but may not replicate.
Use graph paper to lay out design, and to ensure gluing process remains square.
No overlapping of sticks or laminating of sticks.
Successful cube will hold the most weight.
Use your engineering skills to make the strongest cube you can!
Students will record/save all documents from all attempts. A final reflective document will note how and why the design changed for each attempt. Students may include, photos, notes, graphs or other examples in their reflective document. The rubric will only be used for the final design.
Rubric
9th Grade Cube Challenge Rubric
points | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
size | 1 side correct | 2 sides correct | 3 sides correct | 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