Build bridges, towers and frames from paper, craft sticks and household materials, then load them until they fail — and measure exactly when and how. Every project records the structure, the loading method and the breaking point, so results are comparable across designs.
10 published projects in this collection
The strongest structure projects change exactly one design feature — truss shape, joint type, base width — and keep span, material and loading identical. Test at least three versions of your chosen feature, and record the failure load for each, not just the winner.
Weigh your structure before testing: strength-to-weight ratio is the number judges and engineers actually care about, and several projects here walk you through computing it.
A materials list with costs, numbered steps, safety guidance, the variables to change and control, and a data table you can fill in — plus community results from other builders once people start sharing theirs.
By subject
By school level
By difficulty
Preparing for a fair? Read the science fair guide or record your data in the lab.