Great Wall Engineering Challenge

Supplies

Per team:

• 1 pack of paper cups OR small cardboard boxes

• Masking tape

• 10–20 sheets of newspaper or scrap paper

• 1 small soft ball (for “dragon attack test”)

• Stopwatch / timer

• Cones to mark building zones

Optional:

• Blocks (Duplo / wooden blocks)

• Rulers

• Clipboards for planning

• Printed “Challenge Card”

Steps

1️⃣ Set Up

• Divide children into teams of 3–5.

• Each team gets identical materials.

• Mark clear building zones on the floor.

• Set a 10-minute build timer.

2️⃣ Introduce the Story

Say:

“Today you are engineers building the Great Wall of China. Your mission is to build the strongest wall to protect your village from the dragon!”

Explain:

• Walls must stand independently.

• Teams can only use the materials provided.

• No holding the wall once testing begins.

3️⃣ Planning Time (2 Minutes)

Before building:

• Give teams 2 minutes to discuss strategy.

• Encourage them to think about:

  • Height vs strength

  • Wide base vs tall tower

  • How to connect pieces

4️⃣ Build Time (10 Minutes)

• Start timer.

• Staff supervise but do not solve problems.

• Encourage teamwork and communication.

• Give a 2-minute warning before finishing.

5️⃣ Dragon Test

When time is up:

• Teams step back.

• Staff gently roll or lightly toss a soft ball toward the wall.

• The wall must remain standing without support.

Scoring Options:

• +1 point for standing after first roll

• +1 point for second roll

• Bonus point for tallest stable wall

🏆 Award Ideas

• Strongest Wall

• Tallest Wall

• Best Teamwork

• Most Creative Design

Keep it positive and celebrate all efforts.