Student Name ________________________
Bones In Shape Activity
Question: Which shape is stronger—a cylinder or rectangular prism?
Hypothesis:
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Materials:
1. 2—4 x 6 inch index cards
2. tape
3. textbooks, novels
Procedures:
1. Roll one of the index cards into the shape of a long cylinder so that it has a
diameter of 2 inches. Overlap the edges and tape down so the index card stays
its shape as a cylinder.
2. Fold the other index card half way up so that the 6-inch edges are almost
touching. Leave ½ inch of space (this will be the overlapping flap of your
rectangular prism).
3. Unfold the same index card. Fold the bottom, smaller half, halfway up to the
crease made by the first fold. Fold again by rolling the index card upward towards
the flap. Fold again.
4. When you unfold the card, you should have 4 creases. Fold it into a shape of a
rectangular prism with the ½ inch flap overlapping one of the faces.
5. Tape the flap down.
6. Place both prisms upright, one hollow side up and the other touching the desk
like the diagram below.
7. Carefully place one book at a time on the rectangular prism. Place one book after
another on top the first until the structure is disfigured or bent.
8. Do the same to the cylinder.
Observations:
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Conclusions:
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