Make the strongest beam possible using taffy? Groups mold a taffy-water mixture into a beam and a reinforcing material of their choice. To finish the final installment of a two-part series, participants test its strength by adding weights until the beam breaks.

Concepts

engineering design, mechanical engineering, beams, building materials, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Have a contest to determine the winning beam design

Classroom Considerations

• A variety of materials is necessary for the activity; see materials section for complete list
• Be sure to follow any district wellness policies before using candy in the activity

Pros

• Provides a list of safety issues and troubleshooting tips
• Includes worksheets with instructions and diagrams

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSA-REI.A.2