Toothpick Water Tower Project
The Toothpick Water Tower project was very similar to the Bridge Design project. The tower had to be able to hold the weight of a bowling ball for at least 30 seconds. In addition, the tower could not be less than 27.5 centimeters tall and 15 centimeters in diameter. The tower could only be built from toothpicks and white glue, and was not allowed to be coated for additional strength.
The grading for this project was based on the tower's efficiency, which was calculated by dividing the held weight by the weight of the tower.
The grading for this project was based on the tower's efficiency, which was calculated by dividing the held weight by the weight of the tower.
I began this project by first sketching several different designs. I chose the design that I thought would offer the most support. I then created developmental drawings that specified piece measurements and dimensions. As I began the assembly process, I kept in mind what I had learned from the previous project, the Bridge Design. I made sure to reinforce the major structural components of my tower. Each leg of the tower was three toothpicks thick, and the toothpicks were overlapped differently to create an interlocking effect, which gave the legs stronger support. The base was made from flat toothpicks and built wider than the top of the tower to reduce strain by increasing surface area.
My tower was able to hold the bowling ball, and placed first in efficiency because it weighed very little.
My take-away from this project was time management. I spent most of the time making the drawings for the tower, so I had to stay up late on the night before the due date to finish building the tower.
My tower was able to hold the bowling ball, and placed first in efficiency because it weighed very little.
My take-away from this project was time management. I spent most of the time making the drawings for the tower, so I had to stay up late on the night before the due date to finish building the tower.
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