"Testing . . . testing . . . " October 7th IDEA thoughts

Welcome back to the Home of Good Ideas . . .  where this week we're featuring the testing of the second round of Balsa Woods Towers.

 To the left, you'll see one strategy employed by some of the teams: girders!  Students are multiplying the inherent strength of the balsa wood members by combining several thin strips (about 1/16" thick) into more "muscular" posts.






To the right, you'll see a more "elegant" approach: pyramidal bracing.  With light, thin pieces, these students are wagering that their "strength to weight ratio" (more formally the load mass to frame mass ratio) will exceed the bulkier designs of their competitors. Tougher to see here, but just as impressive: the bottom ends of the pyramid members sit in a recessed slot on the frame.  As Willy Loman told us, "Attention must be paid!"

Though most designs will be tested this week, a few have already been tested by the tail end of last week . . .  one 50-gram structure held up under the strain of over 400 pounds before . . .  well, before "pancaking" spectacularly under the weight!  

Coming up next week: student teams will be presenting their designs for more public consumption.  If you're in the area during D and F blocks next week, stop by to see what students have learned about structural integrity and the engineering design loop.