Note from Paloma (aka mum): If you read Wednesday’s blog Learning More About Shapes then you’ll know that W wanted to find out which shape is the strongest. We did a series of tests using the scientific method and the children have chosen to share their findings in today’s blog post.

You can find other people’s videos/blogs/explanations of the tests we used here:
Test 1: Testing the strength of card paper pillars*
Test 2: Which Shape is the Strongest? – Kids Science Experiment (we used small toys)
*this experiment was a complete failure due to not having the correct materials
Which Shape is the Strongest? A Report by W.
Hypothesis: I think that a square is the strongest shape.
Equipment: paper, glue, toys and books
What we did: 2 tests – In the first test we put some books on the shapes. In the second test we made a bridge.
Results:

In Test 1 the circular pillar was able to hold 3 books, in Test 2 the circle bridge was able to hold 2 toys.
In Test 1 the square pillar was able to hold 2 books, in Test 2 the square bridge was able to hold 2 toys.
In Test 1 the triangular pillar was able to hold 5 books, in Test 2 the triangular bridge was able to hold 4 toys.
Discussion: The triangle is the strongest shape. I think that we could have used card or a stronger material.
Which Shape is the Strongest? A Report by B.
Hypothesis: I think that a circle is the strongest shape.
Equipment: paper, glue, toys and books
What we did: 2 tests – In the first test we put some books on the shapes. In the second test we made a bridge.
Results: In Test 1 the circular pillar was able to hold 3 books, in Test 2 the circle bridge was able to hold 2 toys. In Test 1 the square pillar was able to hold 2 books, in Test 2 the square bridge was able to hold 2 toys. In Test 1 the triangular pillar was able to hold 5 books, in Test 2 the triangular bridge was able to hold 4 toys.
Discussion: The triangle is the strongest shaped. I think we could do other shapes.