Exploration Labs: Column Crushers

Students will be exposed to engineering problem solving and challenged to build an efficient column.

Program Cost

$675

Contact Information

For more information about this program, contact:

Menzel Smith-Jones
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Bldg.400C – P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
631-344-4495 (phone)
631-344-7098 (fax)
mjones@bnl.gov

When designing columns, tension and compression are the basic forces involved. Some materials are strong in compression, others in tension. Paper and wood will be used to demonstrate buckling and ways to increase the load a column can support. The Instron will be introduced as a method of testing column strength. Participants are challenged to build a column using cardboard and tape. The columns will be weighed and then tested for load capacity using the Instron. Groups will compete against each other and analyze design features for efficiency.

Audience for This Program

Grades: 7-8