Here are some fun structure building activities for all ages. Regardless of the ages of the girls you might want to start with the Spark activity and see how skillful everyone is and then try the next activity. Congratulations to Alberta Council for developing the Techno-Whiz Challenge and many thanks for giving us permission to use some of the activities.

Sparks|Brownies|Guides | Pathfinders|Senior Branches

Sparks

Explore how to build a tower that is stable and will support itself.

Materials: Each team will need 15 - 20 gumdrops. 20 - 30 small marshmallows and 40 toothpicks (round with pointy ends).

• Step 1: Divide girls into teams of about 3.
• Step 2: Each team should build a tower with the materials provided. The goal is to build the highest tower without it tipping over.
• Step 3: Dismantle the towers and eat the marshmallows and gumdrops.

Tips: Build a strong base before trying to build high. Cross bracing will provide reinforcement. When a tower starts to tip quickly place some toothpicks in the way the tower is tipping to support the tower better. There is no wrong design!

Brownies

Explore how to build a structure that is stable and will support itself.

Materials: Each team will need: 20 - 30 large marshmallows and 30 drinking straws or popsicle sticks.

• Step 1: Divide the girls into teams.
• Step 2: Each team should build a structure of the materials provided. The goal is to build a house with as many stories as possible without it failing over.
• Step 3: They can dismantle the structures and eat the marshmallows.

Tips: Build a strong base before trying to build high. Cross bracing will provide reinforcement. There is no wrong design!

Guides

Explore how to build a tower that is stable and will support itself.

Materials: For each team of 4 girls: newspapers, roll of tape and 25 toothpicks.

• Step 1: Place a sheet of newspaper on the floor.
• Step 2: Place a toothpick at one corner and roll paper tightly around the toothpick forming a dowel. Tape it to hold it together.
• Step 3: Repeat Steps 1 & 2 to make a supply of dowels.
• Step 4: Build a tower with the dowels. The goal is to build the highest tower without it toppling over.

Tips: Build a strong base before trying to build high. Cross bracing will provide reinforcement. Dowels can be folded in half to create more strength. The trick is to roll the newspaper very tightly. Debate what is more important - the strength of the material or the design.

Pathfinders

Explore how to build a bridge that is stable and will support weight.

Materials: For each team of 3 - 4 girls: 50 - 100 popsicle sticks; white glue of glue gun. Bring 10 large books to act as weights.

• Step 1: The bridge should have the following dimensions: 45cm long x l0cm high x 8cm wide.
• Step 2: Recommended time limits: for 50 popsicle sticks 30 minutes; for 100 popsicle sticks 1 hour.
• Step 3: If using white glue let dry at least 24 hours; place 2 tables 30 cm apart and add the books one at a time until the bridge collapses. Keep track of the number of books each bridge held.
• Step 4: Discuss design. Did the bridges fail at the glued areas or did the wood break? Did the bridge collapse sideways or break in the middle? How could you make it stronger?

Make giant gadgets.

Senior Branches

Build a structure of drinking straws that will safely catch an egg dropped from 1 m high