Super Stackers Challenge - Cup Stacking Fun and Learning Activity
Engage in the Super Stackers Challenge where teams work together to complete various cup stacking tasks using only plastic cups, rubber bands, and string. With specific design requirements for each challenge, participants must manipulate the cups using a unique apparatus. Reflect on the difficulty of each task, share strategies, and consider communication dynamics. Explore the concept of single-use materials, malleability, and the STEAM connection through this interactive activity.
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Super Stackers Challenge This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC Presentation by T. Tomm 2019 sciencespot.net
The Challenges The Challenges Your team will complete a series of challenges using only the materials provided plastic cups, rubberbands, and string. You are not allowed to touch the cups with anything except the rubber band (and the small part of the string attached to the rubberband.) Each challenge will have specific design requirements.
The Apparatus Loop 4 strings through a rubberband. As team members pull on the string with different amounts of force, it will cause the rubber band to stretch or compress. Work together to operate the apparatus to pick up, move, and release cups as needed. Questions? Practice with one cup. Image: https://middleschoolscience.com/2015/06/25/cup-stacking-collaboration-challenge/
Challenge 1 Stack to Row Use your apparatus to transform the stack of cups into a row of cups. Cups should be upside-down.
Challenge 2 Row to Pyramid Use your to transform the row of cups into a pyramid. Cups should be upside-down.
Challenge 3 Pyramid to Row Use your apparatus to transform the pyramid of upside-down cups into a row of cups (right-side up).
Challenge 4 Row to Stack Use your apparatus to transform the row of right-side up cups into a stack with the cups in pairs as shown.
Discuss It Which challenge was the easiest? Why? Which challenge was the most difficult? Why? Did your team develop any tricks to make the challenges easier? Explain. How would the difficulty change if you were only allowed to use nonverbal communication (no talking)?
Solo Cup Basics What does it mean to be single-use ? What process is used to make cups and bowls? What does it mean for a material to be malleable? How long does it take to form a cup? What happens to the leftover plastic? How does this project relate to STEAM? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxN70ktR0jg
Look it up How many plastic cups do Americans use in a day? Month? Year? What natural resources are used to make plastics? Are the resources renewable or nonrenewable? How long does it take a plastic cup to decompose? Can plastic cups be recycled? How can plastic cups be reused?
Bonus Challenge Your Turn Design a challenge for your classmates using the plastic cups and rubberband/string apparatus. What will be your rules? Use Google slides to describe your challenge. You may use your laptop or phone to take pictures. Share the completed slide with your teacher.
