What’s a Straw Structure? Learners explore the geometry of line segments, lines, shapes, and forms to engineer and rebuild structures that reach the ceiling by themselves or with partners! Build perseverance and teamwork skills while building and improving imaginative structures. This Spark is easily adaptable for ages 5 and up, and supports creativity through open-ended design. It’s a perfect 30- to 45-minute, screen-free activity that can be built, tested, taken apart, and rebuilt for endless experimentation and play.
Your learner will design and build a structure using specially engineered paper tubes and flexible plastic connectors. They can build independently to create a structure taller than them, or work collaboratively to create structures that multiple learners can send to the ceiling, or fit inside! They’ll strengthen their critical thinking, persistence, and creative problem-solving skills as they modify structural elements and component placement to make structures that reach high, surround them, or fill the room.
What's in the pack?
This is an individually packed kit in a resealable bag with everything needed to build, test, and iterate, including:
60 sturdy, foot-long paper tubes
A set of 36 unique engineered flexible connectors
Visual guide sheet
Scissors can be used to modify components as needed.
What do adults need to support?
This Spark includes a coaching playbook available on our website, featuring educator-only videos, quick-start guides, slide decks, and extension activities. These resources help adults build confidence quickly, troubleshoot common challenges, and guide learners through a hands-on exploration of creative structural engineering.
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