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Tower Tussle

Students work together in teams to build a hurricane- or earthquake-proof building while keeping to budget.

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Overview

Pupils are introduced to the concept of buildings that adapt to their environment, before being challenged to build either an earthquake- or hurricane-resistant tower.

A budget is given, with each material having a different price, so teams of young people must use their funds carefully to build the tallest tower. It's then tested with a fan (hurricane) or vibration plate (earthquake) to see whether it can withstand the environment.

The winning team will be the one who builds the tallest tower that withstands the disaster.

The session concludes with a recap of skills used, examples of careers that relate to the activities completed and the career paths of delivery staff or colleagues.

Cost

Prices vary depending on location: £670+VAT for schools within an hour and a half of Derby and circa £790+VAT for schools beyond this. Discounts will be applied for multiple bookings, and the provider can be flexible to accommodate Neon bursary holders.

Details

Curriculum links: Engineering

Physics: Motion and forces

Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering

Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Forces

Design thinking and engineering: Engineering

Physics: Forces

Technology & design - Manufacturing

Sciences - Forces and energy: Forces and energy transfer

Technology & design - Design
Participation level: Hands-on
Duration: Up to an hour
Cost: Cost applies
Location: In-school

England

Scotland

Wales

Learning outcomes

Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Learning what the engineering workplace is like
Develop engineering employability skills
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Frameworks

EqualEx

Introduce and Inspire
Investigate and Explore

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

Planning - Setting goals and designing routes to achieve them
Creativity - Using imagination and generating new ideas
Leadership - Supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal
Listening - Receiving, retaining and processing information
Problem solving - Finding solutions to challenges
Adapting - Overcoming challenges and setbacks to achieve goals
Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal