Instant Challenge ~ Cup Holder

We joined along again this week for the second Instant Challenge hosted by Michelle @ Delightful Learning. Our challenge this week? Create a structure that would hold 2 cups.

The materials:

• 6 straws
• 1 piece of paper
• piece of tinfoil
• 3 mailing labels
• 2 paperclips
• 2 pieces of string
• 1 envelope
• 2 chenille sticks

Since the girls had a successful attempt last week, and are starting to get into the routine of the challenges, this one was a LOT easier to explain and get going. During the building time, both girls worked independently on different parts of the challenge.

McKenna worked on building the ‘deck’ for the bridge of the structure. She used the tinfoil, paper, envelope and the paper clips to put her piece together.

Laurianna worked on building the frame of the structure. She attached one end of each of the straws to a penny so that it would stabilize the straws. She then poked pipe cleaners into the straws to connect them together. Once she had the two main ‘arches’ built, she used the extra 2 straws to support the top of the bridge, tying them on with the string.

When McKenna had finished her top piece they carefully laid it on top of the main support. So far, so good!

Their next test {before the 7 minute building part was complete} was to see if it would support any weight, so they used the leftover penny to check.

Here’s a little look at the structure from underneath. Not the most beautiful, but when you’re using straws and tinfoil…what do you expect? :)

The big test was seeing if it would support the two cups and getting them as far apart as possible. SUCCESS!!!

Our Score:

• 10/10 points for having a completed boat at the end of Part One.
• 20/20 points for creativity in using the materials ~ they found a use for everything!
• 13 points for how far each cup was from the table {1 point for each inch and they were each 6.5 inches off the table}
• 18 points for how far apart the cups were {2 points for each inch and they were 9 inches apart}
• 20/20 points for teamwork. I was impressed that they each worked on their own tasks to complete the project together!

Overall Score: 81/100

We’re gearing up for the next challenge: High Flying! “Up for a Challenge?” is a weekly meme designed to get students involved in critical thinking and creative problem solving by doing an Instant Challenge. If you are interested in being a part of the Instant Challenges, you can find out more here.