======Strength of Paper Columns======


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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Gather three sheets of regular typing paper and some tape.  
  - Roll or fold each sheet to create one triangle-shaped column, one rectangular column, and one cylindrical column.  
  - Use tape to keep them consistent in construction.  
  - Place one column upright on a flat surface.  
  - Gradually place books or other uniform weights on top of the column, counting how many it holds before collapsing.  
  - Repeat the test for each of the three shapes.



====Links==== 
The Strongest Paper Column Challenge | Column Strength Test | STEM Challenge - Hungry SciANNtist: 
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Columns Experiment | Science of Strong Shapes - Science Lab ANU: 
{{youtube>mS8jBNkkNPo?}}\\

📄 Strong Shapes - how strong is a piece of paper - Emma Vanstone: [[https://www.science-sparks.com/strong-shapes-how-strong-is-a-piece-of-paper]]

📄 Standing Tall: Strength of Shapes- Katelyn E. Shipp: [[https://csef.usc.edu/History/2007/Projects/J0227.pdf]]\\

📄🎞️ Rookie Science: Column Strength Test: [[https://digitalbranch.cmlibrary.org/kids-club/column-strength-test/]]\\



====Variations====
  * Set as a challenge for students to attempt to build the best column shape with limited materials.
  * Try different materials such as cardstock or construction paper to see how material thickness affects strength.  
  * Test larger or smaller columns to explore how size impacts load-bearing ability.  
  * Add internal supports or layers to see if the shape can hold more weight.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Ensure the testing area is stable and clear of fragile objects.  
  * Use caution when stacking heavy books to prevent them from falling.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Which column shape held the most weight? (Usually the cylinder.)  
  * Why was the cylinder able to hold more weight? (Because it has no edges and distributes force evenly around its surface.)  
  * How do the edges of the triangle and rectangle affect their strength? (The corners concentrate pressure, causing the shapes to buckle more easily.)  
  * Where in the real world do we see cylindrical columns used? (In buildings, bridges, and towers because they efficiently support weight.)  
  * How would increasing the thickness of the paper affect the results? (Thicker paper would increase strength and allow each shape to hold more weight.)