This experiment is a good example of our Easy Science Projects.
Many thousands of years ago people built huge pyramids. The oldest pyramids were probably built by the Egyptians and it was started almost 4,600 years ago. Only as little as 600 years ago there were pyramids built in Central America. Building pyramids were a long and very difficult task and it took thousands of people up to 50 years to complete one!
With this Easy Science Project we are going to find out why pyramids are so strong, and that is of course the reason why they were built. You’ll see that a cube or a rectangle is not as strong.
For investigating the bases and heights here’s what you’ll need:
Non-hardening modeling clay.
A plastic modeling knife (Adult supervision is needed here).
A ruler.
A book.
What you have to do:
With the modeling clay build two cubes more or less 3-4cm. the two blocks has to be exactly the same size and that is what you have to use the ruler for, to measure them and make sure they are exactly the same size.
Now you have to reshape one of the blocks into a square-based pyramid. Remember to keep the base the exact same size, this is crucial for what we want to illustrate here. Make sure that you now have a cube and a pyramid with the exact same size base.
We now know that because they were originally the exact same shape and size that they have the same volume (let an adult explain this if you do not quite understand this.) Measure the pyramid with your ruler and you’ll find that the pyramid is three times taller as the cube and it is very strong and stable.
Now to demonstrate the strength of a pyramid here’s what you’ll need:
20 Large plastic drinking straws
Reusable adhesive
Now this is what you have to do:
To do this experiment you are going to have to make two models, a cube and a square-based pyramid.
First you have to make your cube out of large drinking straws and reusable adhesive. First make your base and then complete the cube with more straws and make very sure your cube is even and that each face of the cube is the same size. Ask and adult to help you if you have any problems with the measurements.
To make your pyramid, you have to start with the base make the pyramid with another 4 straws.
Now to test the strength of your two structures:
Start with your cube:
Gently push down over the center of your cube with your hand. Now move your hand gently to one side whilst still pushing down gently. You’ll feel the cube giving way and starting to collapse.
Now for the pyramid:
Do exactly the same as above with your pyramid. You’ll feel the pyramid is much stronger and it does not collapse.
To record your experiments and to make sure you use the right scientific method it is a good idea to get some help and advice it might be a good idea to get a science fair e-book to help you. I can very strongly recommend 24 Hour Science Projects
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