Challenge

Oriental Pearl Tower

Yesterday we did a fun activity which is to use newspapers to build a tower as high as possible in a group. We were allowed to use whatever method except for taping the newspapers directly on the table in which a fixed base would be created. At the beginning, we first thought about the shape of base and came up with two ideas: triangular or rectangular. Soon we decided to use a rectangular base instead of using a triangular one. The reason is that the newspapers were limited in the amount. So a lighter and thinner base could save more paper for later use. The method we used to build up the tower is that we make each level smaller and lighter than the previous one, so that the top does not gravitate to other sides. However, as the tower reaches a certain height, the top automatically leans to one side. So we decided to put small pieces of paper at the opposite side of the leaning side in order to balance the weight. The typical problem that we faced is that the upper part falls from the middle. So what we did is to avoid that from happening. The final product is not ideal although it stands alright. At the end what we learned is that for tall buildings, a triangular base or the main building that gains support from triangular structure would be much more stable than other bases in different shape. A sample  could clearly explain the idea would be the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, China. One more thing that needs to be mentioned is that the centre of gravity which is the average location of the weight of an object. The key factor for building up a building is to establish the centre of gravity at the middle.