Toppling towers
Ask the children to sort out the square 2*2-stud bricks and the rectangular 2*4-stud bricks by color, and build the tower shown on the card. Predict which tower will topple first when tilted. Then test the towers three at time on the tilting tablet. Which tower tilts first? second? third?
Build other towers using 2*2 and 2*8-stud bricks.Is it easier or more difficult to build a stable tower? Why?
Let the children experiment with other brick combinations. Extend the activity by using a "topple meter" (see back of building card) to find the angle at which a tower topples. Ask the children to predict the outcome before they start.