Milk Carton Tower Relay

Teams run a relay to carry recycled milk cartons one at a time and build the tallest, most stable tower they can. It combines running with skills along the way, group planning, and handling frustration when the tower falls.

How to play

1. Build it (4 min): use 1-quart cartons rinsed at home, stuffed with crumpled newspaper, and taped shut so they don't crush.
2. Teams of 5. Each team has 20 cartons in a pile 15 yards from its building zone. Take one minute to agree on a tower design.
3. Round 1 (4 min): one at a time, run for a carton and add it to the tower; the next runner goes once the last one lets go. Measure each tower at the end.
4. Round 2, skill (4 min): on the way out, complete a challenge set with cones (zigzag, two-foot jumps, or side shuffle).
5. Round 3, shape tower (4 min): the teacher shows a card (bridge, pyramid, letter T) and each team builds it relay-style.
6. Wrap-up (3 min): teams tour the other towers and discuss which design was most stable and why.

Rules

• One carton per trip, and only the runner who brings it places it.
• If the tower falls, keep building from whatever is still standing.
• No one may hold the tower up when the round ends.
• Safety: slow down before reaching the tower and never throw a carton.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: acts as the architect who places the cartons others bring, or runs a shorter lane.
• Autism: sketch the design on paper first so the student knows what will be built.
• Fitness level: chooses the easiest challenge on the way without losing a turn.

Learning goals

• Work as a team to plan and build under time pressure.
• Combine running with movement skills along a course.
• Handle frustration when things don't work the first time.

Equipment for a class of 25

• milk cartons: 100
• newspaper: 50
• cones: 20
• measuring tape: 1

Teacher tip

Ask for well-rinsed cartons to avoid smells; stuffing them with newspaper makes them much sturdier. Praise smart designs out loud, not just height.

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