Looking for a low-prep, high-engagement STEM challenge that can be run by a substitute teacher or used in your own classroom? The Paper Tower Challenge is a tried-and-true engineering design activity where students apply real structural engineering principles using only 10 sheets of paper and 12 inches of masking tape.

Perfect for:
End-of-unit engineering challenges, sub plans, STEM Fridays, or introduction to the Engineering Design Process.

What’s Included?

Teacher Materials, Editable PowerPoint:

• Supply list & advance prep instructions
• Teacher guide with objectives, STEM focus, and essential questions
• Differentiation strategies (struggling & advanced learners)
• Probing questions, teacher tips, and safety notes
• Student group roles (Materials Manager, Builder, Tester, etc.)

Student Printables (Worksheets):

• Activity / Rules Card (2-per-page, cut apart)
• Pre-Lab Worksheet (with real-world connections)
• Design & Planning Worksheet (“No sketch, no supplies”)
• Data Collection Sheet (trial tracking)
• Debrief Worksheet (reflection & team dynamics)
• 4-Point Rubric (20 points total)

Extras:

• Real-world connections (Burj Khalifa, Shanghai Tower, Eiffel Tower)
• References to NGSS standards (MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2)