Straw Towers

 



Activity Plan: Tallest Straw Tower Challenge with AI Integration

Overview

This team-based STEAM challenge encourages participants to collaborate, solve problems, think creatively, and apply engineering principles to build the tallest and most stable straw tower. It incorporates AI as a learning tool, allowing teams to research, generate ideas, and refine their structures using online AI platforms. The activity enhances problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy while fostering individual confidence and adaptability.

Activity Details

  • Age Group: Adaptable for children (6+) to adults
  • Group Size: 3-7 participants per team
  • Duration: 30-60 minutes
  • Materials:
    • Straws (30-50 per team)
    • Tape (1 meter per team)
    • Scissors (optional)
    • Ruler or measuring tape
    • AI Access (optional) (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Bard, or other AI tools)



Objectives

Social Objectives:

  • Develop collaborative problem-solving skills through teamwork.
  • Enhance communication by discussing ideas and refining strategies.
  • Build confidence in using AI as a supportive tool in learning.


Creative Objectives:

  • Encourage innovative design thinking using AI-generated suggestions.
  • Foster resourcefulness by using limited materials efficiently.
  • Demonstrate adaptability by modifying structures based on AI feedback.

STEAM Objectives:

  • Science: Understand gravity, balance, and structural integrity.
  • Technology: Use AI as a research tool to improve designs.
  • Engineering: Apply concepts of load distribution and framework stability.
  • Art: Explore aesthetic and functional design choices.
  • Math: Measure height, analyze proportions, and assess stability


Personal Development Objectives:

  • Develop critical thinking by evaluating AI-generated solutions.
  • Encourage a growth mindset by learning from AI suggestions and failures.
  • Promote digital literacy by using AI responsibly in problem-solving.

Activity Instructions

  1. Introduction (10 mins)

    • Explain the challenge: Build the tallest free-standing tower using only straws and tape.
    • Introduce AI as a tool: Participants may use AI to ask for design tips, structural principles, or problem-solving ideas.
    • Discuss basic engineering principles like triangles vs. squares for stability.

  2. Planning Phase (10 mins)

    • Teams brainstorm and use AI to research effective building techniques.
    • Assign roles: AI Researcher, Designer, Builder, and Tester.
    • Sketch and discuss AI-generated ideas before starting the build.

  3. Building Phase (20 mins)

    • Teams construct their towers based on their research.
    • AI use is encouraged but not required—teams may refer back if needed.

  4. Testing & Evaluation (10 mins)

    • Measure each tower and test if it can stand on its own for 10 seconds.
    • Discuss how AI helped or hindered the process—Did it provide useful insights?

  5. Reflection & Discussion (10 mins)

    • Teams discuss:
      • How did AI contribute to problem-solving?
      • What worked well, and what didn’t?
      • Would they approach the challenge differently with AI next time?
    • Emphasize that AI is a tool, not a solution—creativity and teamwork remain key.

Variations & Extensions

  • Weight Challenge: Place small objects on top to test structural strength.
  • AI vs. No AI Teams: Compare teams that used AI vs. those that didn’t—what were the differences?
  • Silent Challenge: Builders construct based on AI-generated blueprints without verbal discussion.
  • AI Improvements: After testing, use AI to suggest improvements and build a second version.

Reflection: How did you interact with your group? Who showed natural leadership? Did you achieve your objective? Where can you improve your communication skills?