--- title: "STEM: Paper strength" url: "https://www.park.blackpool.sch.uk/blog/2025-09-11-15-22-00-stem-paper-strength" school: "Park Community Academy" --- # STEM: Paper strength ![Image of STEM: Paper strength](https://files.schudio.com/parkschool-3/images/blog/IMG_1285.jpeg) 11 September 2025 [Mr Dillingham](https://www.park.blackpool.sch.uk/blog/author/DDillingham) 3W investigated how shape affects strength by building three paper columns: a cylinder, a cuboid and a triangular prism, then load-tested them with books. Working in pairs, pupils predicted, measured and compared fairly using identical paper and careful placement of weights. Results showed the cylinder held the most weight, with the cuboid and triangular prism failing earlier at their edges—great real-world engineering links and teamwork from everyone. good job 3W [STEM](https://www.park.blackpool.sch.uk/blog/tag/stem) [ Team Games in PE!](https://www.park.blackpool.sch.uk/blog/2025-09-11-14-47-00-team-games-in-pe) [How are you feeling? ](https://www.park.blackpool.sch.uk/blog/2025-09-11-15-53-00-how-are-you-feeling) ![Park Community Academy](https://files.schudio.com/parkschool-3/images/logo/Untitled_design_(9)_(1).png) #### Park Community Academy Mrs J Aaron (Academy Business Lead) 158 Whitegate Drive Blackpool Lancashire FY3 9HF 01253 764130 #### Useful Links: - [Vacancies](https://www.park.blackpool.sch.uk/vacancies1) - [Blackpool Education Partnership](https://www.blackpoolteachingschoolalliance.org.uk/) - [Independent Travel Training](https://www.park.blackpool.sch.uk/independent-travel-training) - [Embrace Teaching School Hub](https://www.torview.org/educational-excellence/teaching-school-hub) #### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ParkCommunityAcademy) - [X](https://twitter.com/PCABlackpool) © Copyright 2025–2026 Park Community Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.park.blackpool.sch.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)