Learning Without Walls: Engineering Inquiry in Action!

As part of our Learning Without Walls celebration, Grade 5 students took on the Tallest Paper Tower Challenge—an inquiry-based design task that stretched both their scientific thinking and creative problem-solving. Working in small teams, students were asked to build the tallest freestanding tower possible using only paper and tape. But it wasn’t just about height—it was about design thinking, collaboration, and applying real-world science. Throughout the process, students explored key structural engineering principles such as center of gravity, load distribution, and the strength of triangular shapes. After testing and reflecting on their initial prototypes, they had multiple opportunities to improve and iterate their designs—just like real engineers do. The winning tower stood at an impressive 187 cm tall, featuring a tripod base for maximum stability and a clever hole at the top to reduce wind resistance—evidence of students applying their learning about air flow and balance in structure. This challenge not only demonstrated their understanding of scientific form and function, but also showcased IB learner profile traits such as being inquirers, thinkers, and risk-takers. It was a powerful reminder that learning happens everywhere—especially when students build, test, and grow beyond the classroom walls.