Paper Tower Challenge

How to Play

Setup

1. Divide participants into teams of 3–6 people. Aim for balanced team sizes.
2. Give each team an identical kit: 20 sheets of paper (A4 or Letter) and one roll of tape (or a fixed length, e.g., 1 meter). Optional: scissors, paper clips, string. Ensure every team receives the same items.
3. Provide a clear, flat building surface for each team (table or floor) and keep teams spaced apart so structures do not interfere with one another.
4. Prepare a timer and a measuring tape or yardstick. Display the objective and rules on a slide or flip chart.
5. Assign a facilitator to timekeep, verify rules, and measure heights. Optionally designate a judge and photographer.

How to Play

1. Briefing (2 minutes): Explain the objective—build the tallest free-standing paper tower possible that can stand unsupported for at least 10 seconds. Review constraints and safety.
2. Planning (optional 2–3 minutes): Teams may discuss and sketch ideas without building. Encourage roles (architect, builder, tester, materials manager, timekeeper).
3. Build phase (15–20 minutes): Start the timer. Teams construct their towers using only the materials provided. Call out time checkpoints (10, 5, and 2 minutes remaining) to prompt time management.
4. Hands off: When time is up, teams must stop immediately and step back from their towers.
5. Stability test: The facilitator starts a 10-second count for each tower. The structure must stand entirely unsupported (no hands, leaning, or anchoring) for the full count to be eligible.
6. Measurement: Measure from the base surface to the highest stable point. Record heights and announce the winner.
7. Debrief (5 minutes): Discuss what strategies worked, planning versus iteration, leadership and communication, risk management, and how teams adapted after setbacks or collapses.

Rules

1. Use only the materials provided in your kit. No external items, tools, or weights.
2. The tower must be free-standing: no taping to tables, floors, walls, or ceiling; no leaning on objects or people.
3. Paper may be folded, rolled, torn, or crumpled. Tape may be cut only if scissors are included; otherwise tear by hand. Respect any tape length limits if specified.
4. The tower must remain unsupported for a continuous 10 seconds to qualify for measurement.
5. Measurement is vertical height from the base surface to the highest stable point.
6. Safety first: use scissors carefully, keep walkways clear, and avoid running or climbing on furniture.

Tips

• Start with a wide, stable base; use triangles, tubes, or columns for strength and lightness.
• Add cross-bracing to resist sway; keep the top light to prevent tipping.
• Prototype quickly, build in modules, and iterate rather than perfecting one idea too long.
• Manage tape sparingly—use joints, not full wraps. Pre-cut small strips for speed.
• Assign clear roles and checkpoints; reserve 1–2 minutes at the end for stabilizing and cleanup.
• Test frequently and recover fast if something collapses.

Variations

• Silent Build: No talking during construction to emphasize nonverbal coordination.
• Leader Swap: Appoint a leader who must rotate halfway through to practice adaptive leadership.
• Constraint Shuffle: Reduce materials (e.g., 10 sheets), remove tape (use only paper clips), or require a minimum base footprint.
• Wind Test: After stability, introduce a gentle fan breeze; the tallest tower that survives wins.
• Iterative Rounds: Run two rounds with a short retrospective between; expect major performance gains and highlight learning.