Tower Tussle
Students work in teams to build a hurricane- or earthquake-proof building while keeping to budget.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
Students 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
- School subject
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- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Physics
- Curriculum links
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- Biology: Material cycles and energy
- Physics: Energy
- Engineering
- Sciences - Planet earth: Energy sources and sustainability
- Sciences - Planet earth
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Physics: Energy transfer
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Sciences - Earth and universe: The environment and human influences
- Sciences - Forces and energy
- Technology & design - Design
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Up to an hour
- Cost
- Cost applies
- Location
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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
Gatsby benchmarks
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
- 2 - Learning from career and labour market information
- 3 - Addressing the needs of each pupil
- 4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
- 5 - Encounters with employers and employees
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:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
