Build something super tall with popsicle sticks

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Build something super tall with popsicle sticks

Build a super-tall popsicle-stick tower using glue, tape, and basic engineering ideas, testing different base shapes and measuring how high it stands.

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Step-by-step guide to build a super-tall popsicle-stick tower

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Building a LEGO Hinging Square

What you need

Adult supervision required, clear tape, pencil, popsicle sticks, ruler or measuring tape, scissors, scrap cardboard or poster board, small coins or other small weights optional, white school glue

Step 1

Gather all Materials Needed and clear a flat workspace.

Step 2

Choose one base shape to try first such as a triangle square or rectangle.

Step 3

Draw the chosen shape on the scrap cardboard using the pencil and ruler.

Step 4

Cut out the cardboard base with the scissors.

Step 5

Build three support columns by gluing four popsicle sticks end to end for each column.

Step 6

Let the glued columns dry until they feel firm to the touch.

Step 7

Stand the three dry columns upright on the cardboard base and tape each column down at equal distances.

Step 8

Glue popsicle sticks across the tops of the columns to make a ring of horizontal cross beams and let the glue dry.

Step 9

Add more column sections and more rings by repeating Steps 5 through 8 to grow the tower taller.

Step 10

Measure the height of your tower from the cardboard base to the highest point using the ruler and write the number down.

Step 11

Gently tap near the top of the tower to test stability and watch how much it wobbles.

Step 12

Share a photo and a short description of your finished super-tall popsicle-stick tower on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have popsicle sticks or white glue?

Use wooden coffee stirrers or craft sticks in place of popsicle sticks and swap white glue for hot glue or strong double-sided tape when making the four-stick columns in Step 5.

My columns bend or the tower wobbles a lot—how can I fix that?

Make sure each glued column from Step 5 is fully dry and firm as directed in Step 6, space the three columns evenly and tape them securely to the cardboard base in Step 7, and add extra rings of cross beams from Step 8 to stiffen the structure before testing in Step 10.

How can I adapt this activity for different ages?

For younger children simplify by pre-cutting the cardboard base and pre-gluing column sections from Step 5, while older kids can try more columns, taller repeated sections from Step 8, and precise height measurements in Step 9 as a mini engineering challenge.

How can we extend or personalize our super-tall popsicle-stick tower?

Decorate or label the cardboard base you drew in Step 3, experiment with different base shapes to improve stability, add triangular bracing between columns when building additional rings in Step 8, and share your finished design and height from Step 9 on DIY.org as suggested in Step 12.

Watch videos on how to build a super-tall popsicle-stick tower

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Facts about structural engineering for kids

📐 A wider base helps a tower stand taller without toppling — that’s why pyramids are so stable!

🧲 Glue creates stiffer, stronger joints than tape, but tape is great for quick prototypes and adjustments.

📏 Small measurement errors add up: measuring as you build keeps your tower straight and helps you go higher.

🏗️ Triangles are engineering superheroes — triangle-shaped trusses make towers much stronger than plain squares.

🧪 Trying different base shapes (triangle, square, hexagon) is a fun mini-experiment in balance and center of gravity.

How do I build a super-tall popsicle-stick tower?

To build a super-tall popsicle-stick tower, start by sketching a simple design and choosing a base shape (triangle, square, or hexagon). Build repeating modules: glue sticks into struts and joints, use tape for temporary holds, and clamp pieces until glue dries. Stack modules vertically, reinforcing joints with cross-bracing. Measure height after each addition and test stability by gently nudging. Iterate—widen the base or add supports if it leans.

What materials do I need to build a popsicle-stick tower?

You'll need a supply of popsicle sticks, strong white glue or wood glue, and masking tape or painter's tape. Also gather a ruler or tape measure, pencil, cardboard or foam board for a base, and clamps or clothespins to hold glued joints. Optional: small scissors or a craft knife (adult use only), a tray for glue, stickers or paint for decorating, and a notebook to record measurements and design changes.

What ages is this popsicle-stick tower activity suitable for?

This activity suits ages 5–12 with varying levels of supervision. Ages 5–7 enjoy building basic towers with adult help for gluing, cutting, and clamps. Ages 8–12 can plan designs, test base shapes, and measure heights more independently. Teens and adults can challenge stability and engineering concepts. Always match tasks to your child's fine motor skills and supervise younger children around glue, small parts, and any cutting tools.

What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for building popsicle-stick towers?

Building tall popsicle-stick towers teaches basic engineering, problem-solving, measurement, and fine motor skills. It encourages planning, testing, and iterative improvement. Safety tips: use non-toxic glue, supervise scissors or craft knives, keep small parts away from very young children, and clamp pieces rather than holding fingers near wet joints. Variations: try different base shapes (triangle, square, hexagon), limit materials, set a time challenge, add weight tests, or compare with straw

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