Last fall a YouTube channel entitled Lifes Biggest Questions tackled the concern of “how high can a LEGO tower get?” The video discusses the mathematics that was utilized by scientists at The Open University to figure how high a LEGO tower would get before the blocks collapsed under their own weight. Of course, the mathematical response presumes that the tower would not topple over before reaching its maximum height. So you then need to think about the general stability of the structure rather of simply weight-bearing capability of the structure. View the video to find out more, its quite enjoyable..

The comic and the post prompted me to turn to YouTube for videos about developing huge LEGO towers. The video describes the mathematics that was utilized by scientists at The Open University to figure how tall a LEGO tower would get before the blocks collapsed under their own weight. Prior to revealing students the article or the video pointed out above, I d have them make guesses as to the answer then compose out lists of the variables that they can believe of that would influence how tall the tower could get. After they see the video I d have a little class contest to see who can build the highest tower with the LEGOs offered in my class.

Applications for Education.
The question of “how tall can a LEGO tower get?” is a fun prompt for diving into conversations about mathematics and physics. Prior to showing students the video or the article pointed out above, I d have them make guesses as to the answer then draw up lists of the variables that they can consider that would affect how high the tower might get. After they view the video I d have a little classroom contest to see who can build the tallest tower with the LEGOs available in my classroom.

This post initially appeared on FreeTech4Teachers.com. It has actually been utilized without consent if you see it in other places. Sites that take my (Richard Byrnes) work include CloudComputin and WayBetterSite. Included image caught by Richard Byrne.

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