The Straw Tower Challenge is a hands-on engineering design task that engages students in planning, problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance. Using only 20 straws and masking tape, students work with a partner to design and build the tallest freestanding tower possible. Throughout the process, students apply concepts related to structural stability—such as strong shapes, wide bases, and secure connections—while practicing the engineering design cycle: planning, building, testing, revising