How do you make a structure as strong as possible?

If you want to make a sturdy tower out of paper cups, all of the forces at work must be fully under control.

First, create a broad base that distributes all of these forces over a large area. This helps to keep the tower stable. Always make sure that the tower is not too heavy at the top, otherwise it will topple over. Stack the cups neatly and evenly on top of one another, so that the cups at the bottom provide good support for those above them.

The Guinness Book of Records includes a record for the highest (not the strongest) tower built in 30 seconds. That tower was 27 cm high.