How to Build Things That Don't Work the First Time

Learn how to turn failed building projects into exciting discoveries by using trial-and-error to improve your designs.

1. Pick a building challenge. Choose something simple to make, like a bridge that can hold a toy car or a tower that reaches one foot high. Don't worry about how it will look yet, just focus on the goal.
2. Build your first version. Use your materials to assemble your structure. Build it as fast as you can without overthinking it. It is okay if it is wobbly or looks messy!
3. Test and observe. Put your structure to the test. If it falls or breaks, watch closely to see exactly where it happened. Did the tape peel off? Did the cardboard bend? Write down what happened in your notebook.
4. Make one small change. Instead of starting over, change just one thing. If the tower fell at the base, try adding more tape there. If the bridge sagged in the middle, try adding a straw support underneath.
5. Test again. Try your structure again. Notice if it lasted longer or held more weight than before. Keep repeating these small changes until you are happy with your result.