Games / Problem-solving / Paper Tower Challenge

Problem-solving

Paper Tower Challenge

Small teams race to build the tallest free-standing tower from paper and tape.

Time
20 min
Group
8–40 people
Format
In-office
Energy
Lively
Budget
Free
Materials
Paper, tape, a tape measure

How to run it

  1. 1
    Split into teams of 4. Give each team 20 sheets of paper and one roll of tape.
  2. 2
    Give 3 minutes to plan with no touching the paper.
  3. 3
    Build for 10 minutes. Towers must stand on their own.
  4. 4
    Hands off, then measure. The tower must stay up for 10 seconds.
  5. 5
    Debrief for 5 minutes: who planned, who built, what would you change?

Variations

  • Silent build: no talking during the build round.
  • Weight test: the tower must hold a phone on top.
  • Hybrid: remote teammates direct, in-room teammates build.

Host tips

Call out time every 2 minutes.
Mix departments so the usual leaders do not dominate.
Photo the towers before measuring.