Intellectual Activity

Build Mini Houses out of Straws

Build Mini Houses out of Straws challenges children to design small structures while thinking about shape, stability, and creative problem solving.

Time30 to 45 minutes
Best ForSmall teams
SpaceTables
SuppliesDrinking straws, tape, scissors, paper, markers, small base cards

How To Run It

  1. Divide children into pairs or small teams.
  2. Give each team the same number of straws and a limited amount of tape.
  3. Challenge them to build a mini house that can stand on its own.
  4. Encourage teams to plan the base, walls, and roof before taping everything together.
  5. Test each house by gently moving the table or adding a light paper roof.
  6. Let teams explain one design choice they made.

Build Requirements

  • Must stand on its own
  • Must include walls and a roof shape
  • Must fit on the base card
  • Should use tape thoughtfully
  • Optional: add a door or window