The Paper Beam

RICHARDTON HIGH SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT RICHARDTON, NORTH DAKOTA

THE PAPER BEAM

CONTEXT:

Beams are used to form the skeletons for many types of structures (bridges, skyscrapers, towers etc.) The size and weight of these beams is not nearly as important as their load carrying capacities. With proper design, even lightweight materials may sometimes be fabricated to produce beams with strength.

OBJECTIVE:

To learn the difference between potential and kinetic energy. To learn to use different forces of prime movers.

To learn the principles of forces like compression, torsion, strain, and shear.

To work independently or cooperatively. To learn to brainstorm (lens smashing) and develop problem solving skills. Make decisions using trial and error. Work within a given amount of time. Work with only materials given. Deal with competition with your peers.

PROBLEM:

Using a standard sheet of 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper and 10 cm of clear tape (approx. 4 inches), construct a beam which will support as much weight as possible.

The span of the beam will be 8 inches. With one half inch of bearing surface on each end of your beam

LIMITATIONS:

Time limits for construction is 30 minutes or instructor’s discretion.

Beam must be a minimum 9 inches in length.

No power tools will be used.

Exacto knife, scissors, paper cutter maybe used.

White Pitsco HD glue.

No pins, reinforcing rods, paper clips, etc. will be part of your beam.

No laminating is permitted.

EVALUATION:

Students will test their own beam.

Use a weight hanger to hold individual weights.

The weights used can be metric or English. Weight total must be converted.

When weight is added to the beam, the beam must hold the weight for a minimum of 15 seconds before the additional weight can be added.

20 points = Strongest beam (held the most weight).

19 points = 90% of the most weight.

18 points = 85% of the most weight.

17 points = 80% of the most weight.

16 points = 70% of the most weight.

0 points = no beam submitted.

Name _____________________________________________________

Weight carried by beam __________________grams/kilograms.

Weight carried by beam __________________ounces/pound.