8th grade Science. In class they are to build with popsicle sticks and a 4 oz bottle of white glue a structure that's at least 40cm tall. This structure needs to hold up in 3 earthquake tests. Here's the frustrating part, white glue takes forever to dry and they can do the work in class only.
Has anyone done something similar to this and do you have any tips on how to get this structure built to withstand the earthquake test.
I wish the teachers had to do this assignment right alongside the students. Just because "we've always done this" doesn't mean it's a good project to do.

ACK! 7th grade, son had to build a to scale working model of a heceta head lighthouse. for the reading teacher <??> it was also one of those "We do it every year" type things UGH

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Could he use a hot glue gun? That glue dries really quickly. Or, duct tape?
Lisa

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it sounds like it is more of a critical thinking project. It may seem annoying, but the kids will feel so much happiness to see what others have created!
If they are in 8th grade I am assuming they will be working on it a little in one day. this would be easy for it to hold together.
Sorry I am not of any help

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Letting the glue dry enough to get tacky before sticking things together might help keep pieces from sliding. It also helps if you can assemble flat pieces which can dry lying down, and then put all those together.

Would they be allowed to temporarily scotch tape the pieces while they are drying with the glue and then remove the tape?

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Build in stages. Then glue the different parts together. Basically they have to plan ahead and build "parts" ....... it just sounds more difficult than it probably really is. Also they can use some of the popcicle sticks and bottle of glue to "prop" parts together while they are drying

What about a pyramid shaped structure? They could do one side at a time, let them dry and then put them together? That should be sturdy for the test too?

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