Stable Structures: The Tower Challenge
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About this resource
An interactive structures puzzle. The child picks a base shape, middle section and top section for a tower, then runs a “wind test” to see if it stays standing. Five levels of increasing difficulty teach the core KS1 D&T technical knowledge: structures can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable by choosing wider bases, lower centres of gravity, and triangular supports.
Wrong choices show WHY they failed (e.g. “the narrow base couldn’t support the wider top — top-heavy”). Hits NC requirement “build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable” without needing physical materials.
What you'll learn
- Building strong structures DfE NC D&T KS1 technical knowledge (structures)
- Evaluating products & ideas DfE NC D&T KS1 evaluate
Inside this resource
- Plays in your browser
For the student — how to do this
You're going to play a learning game about design and technology. It should take about 10 minutes. Take your time — there's no rush. If you get stuck, ask a grown-up.
For parents and carers
This is a learning game for Key Stage 1 design and technology — about 10 minutes of focused activity. Your child can play this on their own or with you alongside. There's no pressure to finish in one sitting.
Their best score, the time taken, and any answers they got wrong will all be saved automatically to your dashboard so you can see how they're getting on.
For teachers and tutors
A a learning game aligned to the DfE National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 design and technology. Use as a standalone activity, a homework task, or a lesson plenary.
Pupils' completion data and assessment scores flow into the class dashboard so you can spot who needs support and on which sub-topic.
How to check the work
The game shows the score in-play. The "best score" gets saved automatically to the dashboard — no manual marking needed.