1. Project: Straw Structure
Situation: Application of Science is an important event in our daily life. We can never live without the assistance of science. For example, living houses, public transportation, manufacturing, etc.
Design brief: You are requested to apply the science knowledge to design and make a straw structure model that can support certain weight.
Group : 3 or 4 members
Duration: 3 cycles

2. Project: Straw Structure
Material provided: plastic straws,
self-adhesive tape
Requirement :
1. The test platform consists of 4, Ø18mm, supporting rods (Figure 1)

3. Project: Straw Structure
Square-testing Platform
Figure 1
200mm
Plan view of the platform
Ø18mm
Figure 2

4. Project: Straw Structure
Requirement :
2) There are the distances of 200mm by the rods’ centres with each other’s.
3) You are free to design the structure. The product must be made of plastic straws and is fastened by colourless self-adhesive tape.

5. Project: Straw Structure
4. Straws parallel overlapping design is not allowed.

6. Project: Straw Structure
Requirement :
5) Weights are placed one by one on the Straw Structure Model until it breaks down so as to test the loading ratio.
(Weight: 250ml juice
Juice
Maximum Loading
Weight of the Straw Structure
Loading Ratio =

7. Project: Straw Structure
Testing methods:
Measure the weight of the model by the electronic balance.

8. Project: Straw Structure
Testing Methods:
2) Place the model on the testing platform.

9. Project: Straw Structure
Testing Methods:
3) Place weights one by one on the central of the model until it breaks down.
The weights will be placed on the central one by one
This is only an example, not a real answer!!

10. Project: Straw Structure
Testing Methods:
Count the number of weights used.
Calculate the loading ratio. Higher loading ratio is recorded, higher mark will be given.
Maximum Loading
Weight of the model
Loading Ratio =

11. Project: Straw Structure
Information:
Search the information about frame and structure via internet.

12. Project: Straw Structure
Design consideration:
Information
Weight of the product
Stability
Solution
How to strengthen the structure ?
Special features of plastic straws

13. Project: Straw Structure
Suggested Procedures
Design Considerations
Initial Ideas
Final Idea
Solution
Make a straw model
Testing
Evaluation

14. Project: Straw Structure
Assessment:

15. Project: Straw Structure
Mark Calculation:
e.g. The model’s size fits the testing platform,
Size mark = 2
Weight = 60g
Loading = 5 x 275g = 1375g
Loading ratio = 1375 / 60
= 22.9
Marks = = 7