Stick Tower: Tallest One That Stands on Its Own

Each team builds the tallest possible tower with sticks, hoops, cones, and clothespins, but materials must be fetched relay-style from a far-off supply area. It combines running, planning, and team building.

How to play

1. Teams of 6. Explanation and design on paper or with gestures, no touching materials (3 min).
2. Relay build: the supply area is 15 meters away; one person goes at a time and brings back a single piece. The tower must stand on its own for 10 seconds (8 min).
3. Measure and tour: each team visits the other towers and notes one idea worth copying (3 min).
4. Second build: the tower must hold a ball on top for 10 seconds (8 min).
5. Orderly teardown and discussion: what changed from the first to the second design (3 min).

Rules

• Sticks are carried upright at a fast walk, never running; other materials can be run.
• Nobody climbs on anything to build: the max height is what you can reach from the floor.
• If the tower falls, rebuild it; no material is lost.
• Every member brings back at least three pieces.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: acts as the fixed "architect" who receives pieces, or runs a shorter relay.
• Visual impairment: builds guided by a partner's voice and touch; runs relays with a guide.
• Students who freeze in groups: assign them quality control (checking the 10 seconds).

Learning goals

• Design and build a stable structure as a team.
• Combine physical effort and planning.
• Learn from other teams' solutions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pe sticks: 30
• hoops: 15
• cones: 25
• clothespins: 30
• balls: 5

Teacher tip

Clothespins help attach sticks to hoops. If you have building blocks or cones with holes, the towers get more interesting. Mark the supply area clearly to avoid collisions.

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