The comic and the short article prompted me to turn to YouTube for videos about developing giant LEGO towers. The video discusses the mathematics that was used by scientists at The Open University to figure how high a LEGO tower would get prior to the blocks collapsed under their own weight. Before showing students the article or the video discussed above, I d have them make guesses as to the answer then write out lists of the variables that they can think of that would influence how tall the tower might get. After they see the video I d have a little class contest to see who can build the tallest tower with the LEGOs readily available in my class.

While getting caught up on my reading in Feedly this morning I came across a.
new comic from The Oatmeal. The comic is based on a 2012 BBC short article entitled.
How Tall Can a LEGO Tower Get? The comic and the post triggered me to rely on YouTube for videos about constructing huge LEGO towers. YouTube did not dissatisfy me in my look for videos that describe the math and physics highlighted in the BBCs article and The Oatmeals comic..

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

Last fall a YouTube channel titled Lifes Biggest Questions took on the question of “how high can a LEGO tower get?” The video explains the math that was used by scientists at The Open University to figure how tall a LEGO tower would get before the blocks collapsed under their own weight. Of course, the mathematical response presumes that the tower wouldnt fall over prior to reaching its maximum height. You then have to consider the overall stability of the structure rather of just weight-bearing capability of the structure. See the video for more information, its rather satisfying..

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