Columns have been used throughout the world because they are good load-bearing structures. Learners with visual impairments conduct an experiment to work through the design process as well as to understand this engineering phenomenon. They construct several different types of cylinders out of cardstock and then test each one to see which type can hold the most weight. This is a great exercise that can be used with general and special ed learners. 

Additional Tags

design process, programs

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Pros

• A fun activity that covers engineering and hypothesis testing at the same time

Cons

• Pennies are used as the weight placed on each column. It may be a good idea to start collecting pennies prior to the teaching the activity