Activity 6 · Engineering
Cup Tower Troubleshooting
Materials Two matching cup structures, one containing an error.
What to describe
The Describer knows the intended design. The Builder receives a nearly correct structure and must follow directions to find and repair the mistake.
Roles
How a round works
Make it harder or easier
Harder
Go one-way — ban questions — and add a 30-word limit; require measured lengths and units.
Easier
Allow yes/no questions, agree on a shared base piece, and let the Builder peek once before the barrier goes up.
Reflect
Skills
Standards & alignment
TEKS 2021 Science TEKS · Strand 1: Scientific & Engineering Practices — engineering design & communicating information (confirm grade code)
NGSS NGSS SEP-8: Obtaining, Evaluating & Communicating Information · SEP-6: Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions (ETS1)