Elaina's Experiments: Popsicle stick building challenge
Jan 27, 2025
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- This week's segment focuses on a design challenge that doesn't require a bunch of fancy equipment.
Justin Janssen, STEM program specialist with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, joined 17 News at Noon to demo a popsicle engineering design challenge.
All you need for the challenge is popsicle or craft sticks, binder clips and some tape for younger children. In under one minute, children have to build the tallest tower they can with the simple tools.
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The objective of the challenge is rooted in perseverance, as many of the future careers children will have don't even exist yet. The exercise teaches children how to think, imagine and problem solve.
The challenge can be altered to build a tower that can hold something or to build a bridge using the materials listed above.
For more information watch the full segment in the video player.
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