Q&A for How to Build a Popsicle Stick Tower

The tower could fall if the glue is not strong enough or is still wet and dripping. The weight of the popsicle sticks, especially if the balance is off, can also cause the tower to fall.

Yes, the tower will withstand the weight of several textbooks if constructed properly.

Popsicle sticks have good structural integrity, like bricks.

Because the cube shape will hold up to the greatest pressure.

The amount of weight one level can withstand will be dependent on how well it is constructed and the type of glue used to hold it together. You can test the strength of one level by adding weights on top until the level breaks.

There are a lot of factors that go into that, the type of glue you have (some dry quicker than others), the height you want your tower, the time you spend actually assembling the physics aspects, etc. To put it simply, it will take as much time as you want to put into it.

Yes.

There are no purchasable kits, but any local craft store will have boxes of popsicle sticks and wood glue.

The tower would be short and it would have to have many support beams; however, it is possible but will require a lot of patience.

Chances are it will probably fall over, as the tower is very lightweight. This all depends on the setting used on the hairdryer though, and how forceful the air coming out of it is.

It's hard to say since that depends on the quality of the construction. If you build a strong, straight, sturdy tower, it could probably hold anywhere from 15-20 pounds if not more. If the structure is flimsy or poorly built, it will probably collapse very easily.

This article details exactly that. The only things you need to complete this tower are Popsicle sticks and glue.

You can make it as tall as you want to make it.

Yes, as long as you use a reasonable amount of glue.

It is best to use wood glue, as the bond will be strongest.

What it can withstand depends how well you have made the tower. If you haven't put much effort into it, it will probably fall over. As for the height, you determine that.

Yes, the hot glue gun is actually more efficient for this project's purposes, but it needs to be used properly for best results. If you're a child, get an adult's permission and/or supervision.

You could use super glue or hot glue instead.

It depends on how you build the tower. If the glue isn't strong enough, it may collapse. If the sticks are uneven, it may collapse under the weight of something heavy.

The type of structure this tower models closely resembles a basic construction tower often found in construction sites. However, you could alter your design to imitate any structures you'd like.

This Popsicle stick tower was constructed for a high school physics class project. It is made of Popsicle sticks and super glue. It weighs ~133 grams, is ~9 inches tall, and supported 1,475 pounds without breaking (could have held more, but ran out of weights).

It depends on the type of glue used and how stiff and rigid your triangulation is.

Wipe the surface of both of the Popsicle sticks with a clean paper towel to remove any dust or lint. Apply a thin layer of craft glue to the first stick at the point where you’d like the second stick to adhere to it. Press the second Popsicle stick onto the glue-covered portion of the first stick. Apply pressure to the joint for ten seconds to ensure that the Popsicle sticks will be firmly connected. Wipe up any excess glue that oozes from the joint with a damp paper towel. Place the sticks onto a solid surface such as a table top and allow the glue to dry.

Popsicles, wood glue, and pegs. Most of these items can be found at a craft store, or even somewhere like Walmart.

Only if you push it over, then yes it will fall and break. And if it happens, you might be very sad that all the work you put into that tower will be lost!

Yes, that would work to add more stability.

Yes. Since the triangular structure is able to distribute the force evenly, chances are that the triangular structure would be able to withstand equal or higher forces.

Use wood glue. That's white glue specially formulated for use with wood.

No. Wood glue will form the strongest joints.

A triangle is the most stable (strong) of all the geometric figures. Therefore, triangles do make the best bracing for a project like this.