Mummy Wrap Engineering Challenge

Objective:

Students will apply engineering principles to design and build a freestanding structure that can support the weight of several rolls of toilet paper ("mummy wrappings") without collapsing. This challenge fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and an understanding of structural integrity.

Materials List:

• Building Materials: Toothpicks, straws, marshmallows, tape, rubber bands, paper clips, or other small building supplies.
• Mummy Wrappings: Toilet paper rolls.
• Weights: Small items like coins, washers, or other household objects to simulate added weight.
• Student Worksheet: Mummy Wrap Engineering Challenge
  
• Optional Tools: Rulers, scissors, and markers.

Introduction:

Engineering is a crucial component of STEM education, involving the application of scientific and mathematical principles to solve real-world problems. In the Mummy Wrap Engineering Challenge, you will take on the role of an engineer to design and construct a structure capable of holding the weight of "mummy wrappings" without collapsing. This activity introduces students to key concepts such as load-bearing, stability, and structural integrity and encourages them to work collaboratively with their peers.

Design:

1. Planning Phase:

• Begin by discussing with your group what makes a structure stable. Think about real-world structures like bridges, towers, and buildings. What shapes and designs help them stand firm?
• Sketch your design on paper. Consider your materials and how you can use them to distribute weight evenly.
• Decide on the height of your structure and how you will ensure it remains freestanding.

2. Construction Phase:

• Using the provided materials, construct your structure according to your design.
• Focus on creating a solid base and consider how the toilet paper rolls will be placed on your structure.
• Test your structure as you build. If it’s unstable, discuss with your group what changes might improve it.

3. Testing Phase:

• Once your structure is complete, gradually add toilet paper rolls, one at a time, and observe how your structure holds up.
• Note how many rolls your structure can support before it collapses. Consider why it failed when it did and what could be done to improve it.

Presentation and Reflection:

• Presentation:

• Each group will present their structure to the class, explaining their design choices, how they worked as a team, and what engineering concepts they applied.
• Demonstrate how many toilet paper rolls your structure could hold, sharing any insights gained during the testing phase.

• Reflection:

• Reflect on the challenge in your student worksheet. Consider the following questions:
• What design elements worked well, and why?
• What challenges did you face during construction, and how did you overcome them?
• If you could redesign your structure, what changes would you make?
• How did working in a team contribute to your success or challenges?

Optional Extension Activities:

• Redesign Challenge: With the knowledge gained from your first attempt, redesign and rebuild your structure to improve its load-bearing capacity.

• Real-World Application Discussion: Research and discuss real-world structures that must withstand heavy loads, such as skyscrapers, bridges, and sports arenas. How do engineers ensure these structures are safe?

• Material Experimentation: Experiment with different materials (e.g., cardboard, sticks, or string) to see how the choice of materials affects the strength and stability of your structure.