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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Strong Shapes – how strong is a piece of paper

Strong Shapes – how strong is a piece of paper

Modified: Apr 30, 2020 · Published: Mar 26, 2020 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

All you need for today’s easy science experiment is tape, paper and some books. This is a super simple STEM challenge for kids of all ages.

We’re going to test the strength of paper folded into different shaped columns by piling books on top.

Did you know some shapes are stronger than others?

Tray a Day - how strong is paper #scienceforkids

What you need

3 pieces of normal thickness paper

Sellotape or masking tape

Stack of books

Instructions

How strong is paper? fun science experiment using paper folder into different shaped columns

Square column

Fold one piece of paper in half and then fold each end in half again towards the centre fold, so the paper is split into four even segments. Fold the paper into a square and secure with tape.

Circular column

Fold the second piece of paper into thirds to create a triangular column

Circular Column

Tape the edges together to form a cicrular column.

how strong is paper experiment - strong shapes

You can have a bit of overlap when creating these but try and keep it the same for all columns.

Stand each column up and carefully place books on top of each one. Use the same books in the same order until the column collapses.

Record how many books each column holds.

Remember to use the same books in the same order and the same size paper for each column.

Results – Strong Shapes

We tried the experiment twice and both times found the circular column to be the strongest. This is because it doesn’t have any edges so the weight of the books is shared evenly by the circle.

The square and triangle support the books on their edges and corners meaning they collapse.

Paper folded into a square column for a science experiment

Columns in real life

Where have you seen columns in real life?

If you liked this experiment you might like our other paper science experiments too.

How strong is paper? Fun paper science experiment for kids #scienceforkids #paperexperiments #scienceexperimentsforkids #materialsexperimentsforkids

Last Updated on April 30, 2020 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

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.

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