This post originally appeared on FreeTech4Teachers.com. It has been used without permission if you see it elsewhere. Websites that steal my (Richard Byrnes) work consist of CloudComputin and WayBetterSite. Included image captured by Richard Byrne.

Last fall a YouTube channel titled Lifes Biggest Questions dealt with the question of “how high can a LEGO tower get?” The video describes the math that was used by scientists at The Open University to figure how tall a LEGO tower would get prior to the blocks collapsed under their own weight. Of course, the mathematical response presumes that the tower would not topple over prior to reaching its maximum height. So you then need to consider the overall stability of the structure rather of just weight-bearing capability of the structure. Enjoy the video for more information, its quite satisfying..

While getting caught up on my reading in Feedly today I stumbled upon a.
brand-new comic from The Oatmeal. The comic addresses the question, “how high can a LEGO tower get?” (Its a copyright-protected work so youll need to see it on The Oatmeal site). The comic is based upon a 2012 BBC short article entitled.
How Tall Can a LEGO Tower Get? The comic and the short article triggered me to turn to YouTube for videos about constructing huge LEGO towers. YouTube did not disappoint me in my search for videos that describe the math and physics highlighted in the BBCs article and The Oatmeals comic..

The comic and the short article prompted me to turn to YouTube for videos about developing huge LEGO towers. The video describes the math that was used by researchers at The Open University to figure how tall a LEGO tower would get prior to the blocks collapsed under their own weight. Prior to revealing students the video or the short article pointed out above, I d have them make guesses as to the answer then compose out lists of the variables that they can think of that would affect how tall the tower might get. After they see the video I d have a little class contest to see who can develop the highest tower with the LEGOs available in my class.

Applications for Education.
The question of “how high can a LEGO tower get?” is an enjoyable prompt for diving into discussions about mathematics and physics. Prior to showing trainees the short article or the video mentioned above, I d have them make guesses regarding the answer then write out lists of the variables that they can consider that would influence how high the tower could get. Then after they view the video I d have a little class contest to see who can construct the highest tower with the LEGOs available in my classroom.