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    Home » Engineering for kids » Design and Technology » How can you stand on a paper cup without breaking it?

    How can you stand on a paper cup without breaking it?

    April 29, 2020 By Emma Vanstone 3 Comments

    Do you think you can stand on a paper cup or would you expect it to break? We thought our cup might break, but checked just to be sure. We were right.

    Stand on a paper cup and watch it break

    Easy STEM Challenge

    How can you stand on a paper cup without breaking it?

    Try spacing several cups out evenly and then place a sheet of cardboard on the top. You should find the cups can now hold your weight.

    STEM  Challenge - stand on paper cups without them breaking.

    Carefully try a second layer.

    Ask a heavier person to try to stand on your cup tower, do the cups hold their weight too?

    stand on paper cups without breaking

    Why does this happen?

    When we stood on one cup it broke straight away as we expected. This is because all our weight was pushing down on the cup, compressing it.

    However,  if you arrange the cups neatly spaced apart and place a piece of cardboard over the top, the weight is spread out meaning there isn’t too much weight on any one cup.

    More STEM Challenges for kids

    If you like STEM Challenges we’ve got plenty!

    Make newspaper shoes, a newspaper den or even a newspaper kite with these easy newspaper STEM challenges.

    This collection of Fairy Tale STEM Challenges is one of our all time favourites!

    Or, try one of our many other super simple STEM Challenges for kids.

    Paper Cup STEM Challenge - stand on paper cups without them breaking them #STEMforKids #STEMChallenge Great for science club too.

    Last Updated on April 28, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Connie Shull

      June 03, 2021 at 8:28 pm

      Any idea how much weight it will hold? enough for preteen, around 100
      pounds

      Reply
      • Emma Vanstone

        June 04, 2021 at 2:56 pm

        Ours held my 12 year old 🙂

        Reply
        • Heather

          September 22, 2022 at 4:22 pm

          How many cups did you have to use for your child? I’ve got a group of teens I’m planning for and need to know how many cups to buy.
          Thanks!

          Reply

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