Popsicle Stick Tower
 

So for my physics class we have to build a Popsicle stick tower 10 inches high that holds at least 10 pounds. Now we are trying to win teh contest and hold as much as possible. I know this is not remotely close to robotics but i know all of you might have some sweet ideas. Let me know!
Thanks
Matt Rybar
894

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

2 words: Think Pink.

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

Is there a limitation on your tower's weight/popsicle stick count or similar that we should know about?

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

I had to think about that one for a bit--then I got it. That's actually the best advice for a strong tower.

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

I dont get it... but I have a feeling I know the team its referring to...

EDIT: Looking at 233's robot, I think I get it now.

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

what are the rules? What are the dimensions of the posicle sticks.

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

well you can go about this 2 ways . . 1 make a brick of popsicle sticks 10 inches tall kinda in a flat pyramid shape . . yes I said brick, solid wood, that will 10 lb no prob. but if efficiency is part of it might I suggest you take the "you can use glue" rule to the extreme get your self some epoxy and put your sticks in a blender . . make kinda a fiberglass composite, then mold that in to the shape you want.

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

i don't know much about Popsicle stick towers but in grade 5 we split up into groups and had to make bridges out of just glue and straws so we made our stable bridge and it worked OK but we decided to cover it in glue and fill all the straws in glue

all the glue inside the straws and outside dried and hardened making the bridge really stable

we ended up winning the competition

so put a ton of glue on your tower!!!

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

I believe that would go against the spirit, and intent of the rules, regardless of whether or not it violates the letter of the rules.

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

actually we built the same one without glue and it won, but the teacher said the glue idea was really clever anyway

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

I don't know about 10lbs on popsicle sticks, but I can do 3/4 ton on note cards:D . If there is a limit on sticks may I suggest a really simple shape, tetrahedrons. they use fewer sticks than pyramids and about just as strong.

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

cool! picture?

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

It took me a while to find but this structure held 256 bricks without buckling, we were stopped because of the height of the stack of bricks was around 8 ft.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3622/img0759nc7.jpg

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

Yep sorry i thought i included limitations. 60 popsicle sticks, elmers glue but NOT in excess and it can not be for structural integrity.

Re: Popsicle Stick Tower
 

Any ideas?