Cup stacking tower challenge supply list
For small student teams building the tallest stable tower from everyday materials. The activity uses no adhesives so teams can redesign quickly.
What to buy
Paper cups
300
Index cards
300
Wooden craft sticks
300
Paper straws
200
Rubber bands
100
String
2 rolls
Masking tape for floor lines
2 rolls
Digital timers
5
Measuring tapes
5
Team score sheets
30
Pencils
30
Clipboards
10
Large tray for each team
10
Who this list is for
This cup stacking tower challenge supply list is for small student teams building the tallest stable tower from everyday materials. Since the activity uses no adhesives, teams can take structures apart and redesign quickly.
How to use this list
Set floor lines with masking tape, then give each team a large tray with paper cups, index cards, wooden craft sticks, paper straws, rubber bands, and string. Place a digital timer, measuring tape, team score sheet, pencil, and clipboard where teams can access them. Start with a planning period, then time a build round and measure only towers that remain stable at the end.
Common mistakes
Do not let teams use masking tape as a building material; it is listed for floor lines, while the towers use cups, cards, sticks, straws, rubber bands, and string. Avoid measuring a tower while someone is still holding it. Keep materials on each team’s tray so cups and cards do not migrate across the room or get mixed between teams.
What is on this list
The list includes 300 paper cups, 300 index cards, 300 wooden craft sticks, 200 paper straws, 100 rubber bands, and two rolls of string. It also provides two rolls of masking tape for floor lines, five digital timers, five measuring tapes, 30 team score sheets, 30 pencils, 10 clipboards, and 10 large trays for teams. Cross off what you already have.
Day-of
Review the stability rule before the timer begins, then record each team’s measured height on its score sheet. Between rounds, have teams return materials to their trays and reflect on one redesign. Collect timers, measuring tapes, and clipboards before sorting reusable building materials.
FAQ
Who is "Cup stacking tower challenge supply list" for?
This cup stacking tower challenge supply list is for small student teams building the tallest stable tower from everyday materials. Since the activity uses no adhesives, teams can take structures apart and redesign quickly.
How should I use "Cup stacking tower challenge supply list"?
Set floor lines with masking tape, then give each team a large tray with paper cups, index cards, wooden craft sticks, paper straws, rubber bands, and string. Place a digital timer, measuring tape, team score sheet, pencil, and clipboard where teams can access them. Start with a planning period, then time a build round and measure only towers that remain st…
What should I skip or avoid with "Cup stacking tower challenge supply list"?
Do not let teams use masking tape as a building material; it is listed for floor lines, while the towers use cups, cards, sticks, straws, rubber bands, and string. Avoid measuring a tower while someone is still holding it. Keep materials on each team’s tray so cups and cards do not migrate across the room or get mixed between teams.
What is on the "Cup stacking tower challenge supply list" list?
The list includes 300 paper cups, 300 index cards, 300 wooden craft sticks, 200 paper straws, 100 rubber bands, and two rolls of string. It also provides two rolls of masking tape for floor lines, five digital timers, five measuring tapes, 30 team score sheets, 30 pencils, 10 clipboards, and 10 large trays for teams. Cross off what you already have.
What should I check on the day of?
Review the stability rule before the timer begins, then record each team’s measured height on its score sheet. Between rounds, have teams return materials to their trays and reflect on one redesign. Collect timers, measuring tapes, and clipboards before sorting reusable building materials.
Related lists
For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.