Primary Paper Tower STEM Challenge

A hands-on STEM challenge where learners design, build, test, and improve a paper tower while exploring shapes through engineering design. Learners investigate how folding, rolling, and shaping paper affects tower height and strength. This low-prep STEM challenge is ideal for primary classrooms, home learning, STEM tubs, or engineering stations.

ENGINEERING FOCUS:
Shapes

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• 3-page STEM Challenge set: Cover Page, Instructions Page, Activity Page
• 9-Point Engineering Graph for comparing an original design and an improved design (Activity Page)
• Clear directions for real classrooms
• Kid-friendly layout for independent exploration
• Printable PDF (A4/Letter compatible)

SKILLS DEVELOPED:
• Engineering design process
• Planning and designing a tower
• Testing and improving designs
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Recording observations using a structured 9-Point Engineering Graph

HOW IT WORKS:
Learners build a freestanding paper tower, test and measure its height, and record their observations. They then change one paper shape, test the tower again, and compare the results. Learners sketch their designs, identify what changed, and use the 9-Point Engineering Graph to document their engineering process.
The challenge naturally scales: younger learners can explore simple folded and rolled paper shapes, while older learners can investigate more complex structural forms and compare multiple shape designs.

LEARNING CONCEPTS:
• Shapes and structural design
• Folding and rolling
• Height and stability
• Testing and improving designs

Curriculum Links: Supports early engineering design, forces, materials, and simple investigations involving structure and stability.

STEM Vocabulary: shape, tower, height, stability, support, structure, design, test, improve

Differentiation: Works well for KS1 learners and naturally extends for KS2.

TEACHER BENEFITS:
• Clear instructions
• Minimal prep with easy-to-source materials
• Works for small groups, centres, early finishers, or whole-class use
• Flexible materials allow easy adaptation

AGE RANGE:
Suitable for ages 5–11 (Primary). Younger learners can participate with support.
Aligned for KS1 learners, with natural extension options for KS2 through more complex designs.

PERFECT FOR:
• STEM centres
• Classroom STEM tubs
• Early finishers
• Makerspace stations
• Home learning
• Family STEM nights

FILE DETAILS:
• PDF format (non-editable)
• Instant digital download
• No physical item shipped

Looking for more engineering concepts through tower building?
Explore the Paper Tower STEM Challenges Bundle K–2 and investigate additional engineering concepts including:
• Shapes
• Columns
• Tubes & Connections
Each challenge focuses on a different engineering concept while following the same Build • Test • Improve process.

TERMS OF USE:
For personal and single-classroom use only. Not for resale, redistribution, or commercial use.