Index card tower building is an assignment given by teachers to students to help them understand the basics of physics. The requirement of the assignment can be height, strength or stability from the index card tower. Assignment requirements will dictate the way the structure can be built. All three requirements can be met without using any extra items such as tape, glue, staples or paperclips. Achieving the goal requires teamwork and a plan of action.
Constructing for Height
Fold a 3 x 5-inch index card in half to the dimensions of 3 x 2 1/2 inches. Crease firmly at the fold. Repeat for all 20 cards.
Open the index card and form a V-shape. Place the 2 1/2-inch V on the table so it will be 3 inches tall.
Stack the V-shaped index cards alternating the point of the V's back and forth. Be careful not to bump the table while stacking the cards. The end tower will be 60 inches tall.
Constructing for Strength
Roll 16 of the index cards into tubes that are 3 inches tall.
Place 16 tubes 1 inch apart in a 4 x 4 pattern.
Place 4 index cards flat on the surface of the 16 tubes.
Constructing for Stability
Lean two index cards together to form an upside-down V like stacking playing cards. Place a total of four V's touching for the bottom layer. Lay three index cards flat across the top of the four bottom V's to form a roof.
Repeat the V-making process for the second layer, making three V's across. Lay two index cards on the top of the V's to form a roof.
Lay the last index card flat in the center of the top row to add stability.