Why do some towers fall and others stay up?

Materials:

• Blocks or stacking toys in various shapes and sizes

• Flat surface (table, floor, tray)

Instructions:

1. Invite children to stack blocks on a flat surface and observe what happens.

2. Encourage them to test different arrangements and make predictions.

3. Support them in reflecting on what they notice, remember, or want to try next.

Powerful InterACTions - PK3:

• What are you using to build your tower?

• Why did it fall down?

• Where is your tallest part?

• What shapes do you see in your tower?

Powerful InterACTions - PK4:

• What do you think will happen if we add one more block?

• Where do you think the tower is strongest?

• Why do some blocks stay on top better than others?

• How can we build it so it doesn’t fall?