Flash Build Competition

Build the tallest and strongest free-standing structure possible using only index cards and tape! Teams must design and construct a structure capable of supporting stacked textbooks above the table surface. Success requires creativity, teamwork, engineering design, and smart material usage.

Competition Overview:

• Grade Levels: 3-8
• Team Size: 3-4 students
• Competition Time: 10 minutes
• Event Setting: Classroom
• Materials Provided: Yes - all competition materials are supplied on-site
• Skill Focus: Engineering design, problem solving, collaboration, structural thinking

The Challenge:

Using only:

• 6 index cards (4x6)
• Up to 2 feet of tape

Teams must construct a free-standing structure capable of holding as many hardcover textbooks as possible while maximizing height. The winning teams will successfully balance strength, height, stability, efficient material usage

Materials Provided:

Each team will receive:

• 6 standard 4x6 index cards
• 2 feet of tape (measured and distributed by judges)
• Standard hardcover textbooks for testing

Time Limit:

Teams will have 10 total minutes to:

• Brainstorm, Design, Build, and Test
  • Teams may rebuild, redesign, or repair their structure at any time during the competition window.

Testing Procedure:

After construction time ends:

1. Judges will place books onto the structure one at a time.
2. Each newly added book must remain supported for 10 full seconds before another book is added.
3. Students may briefly assist while books are being positioned. However, the final structure must successfully support the books independently during the official 10-second hold.

Failure Conditions:

A structure is considered failed if:

• Any book falls
• Any supported book touches the table
• The structure collapses

Scoring Formula:

Score = Height × (Books)²

Where:

• Height = measured tower height (Height is measured from the table surface to the top of the highest successfully supported textbook.)
• Books = total books supported (including bonus books)

Because the number of books is squared, both structural strength and height are extremely important.

ISTE & STEM Connections:

• Innovative Designer
  • Students develop prototypes, test solutions, and improve designs through iteration.
• Computational Thinker
  • Students analyze structural problems, evaluate outcomes, and optimize performance under constraints.
• Creative Communicator
  • Students explain design decisions, collaborate with teammates, and communicate solutions effectively.
• Global Collaborator
  • Students work productively in teams, share responsibilities, and solve problems collaboratively.