Physics of Jenga: How does gravity, friction and weight affect movement?

Students learned about different forces while playing the game of Jenga. They took on an engineering challenge to build the tallest possible structure using Jenga piece and did their best to avoid toppling the blocks. The group that build the tallest structure without toppling their structured emerged victorious!

Focus Questions:

  • How does gravity affect the game of Jenga?
  • How does gravity, friction and weight affect movement?

Direction: Working in groups students began the game of Jenga. Each person had a worksheet and tracked THEIR own action (moves).  Students quantified their actions.  Students tracked & calculated the total positive & negative friction, push or pull and answered summative questions.When everyone had gone and the last player topples the blocks the game was over.

  

802 Winning Group :31 levels

801: Winning group 31 levels