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Paper Spires Reach for the Clouds, Mechanics Builds Dreams: Grade 9 Physics Creative Challenge Held Successfully at International Division

December 19, 2025

From December 17th to 18th, the Grade 9 Physics Group of Shanghai High School International Division held the "Paper Spires Reach for the Clouds" Ultimate Paper Tower Structure Challenge in the B1 Theater of Zhongxing Building. During the 20-minute on-site construction session, participating teams, using only four sheets of A4 paper and several pieces of label paper, meticulously built a variety of paper towers reaching for height. They successfully supported a standard table tennis ball on the tower top, demonstrating solid applied mechanics skills and excellent teamwork spirit.


The atmosphere at the competition was intense yet orderly. Each group quickly immersed itself in the task—some repeatedly adjusting pillar angles, others reinforcing the tower base, and others carefully testing the ball's balance point. The rustling of folding paper, hushed discussions within teams, and brief cheers upon completion interwove, painting a vivid, focused picture of hands-on practice.









"We drew inspiration from the truss structure of the Eiffel Tower, using paper rolls as the main load-bearing columns," explained one student while adjusting their tower. "However, paper is relatively soft, so we reinforced the joints with label paper to prevent structural deformation."


The competition required students to flexibly apply mechanics concepts that they recently learned—such as stability, load distribution, and structural strength—to their physical models. Many teams employed strategies like triangular bracing, low center-of-gravity designs, and multi-legged bases, striving for height records while ensuring the stable placement of the table tennis ball.












Mr. Xu Zhencheng, Head of the Physics Teaching and Research Group, commented after the event: "This was not merely a handicraft activity, but a scientific practice integrating engineering thinking. Students had to comprehensively consider material properties, stress conditions, and practical implementation—this truly reflects the core competencies of the physics discipline."


According to the rules, tower height and stability were the main judging criteria. Teams whose towers successfully supported the ball and exceeded 160 cm in height received the "Excellence Award." Following the competition, each team will also complete an A4-sized project summary poster, systematically detailing the entire process from inspiration and structural design to construction reflections, thereby further consolidating their learning.










The "Paper Spires Reach for the Clouds" project encompassed multiple stages—research, design, testing, construction, and review—fully embodying the characteristics of project-based learning. It showcased the High School International Division's teaching philosophy in science education, which emphasizes "authentic problems, authentic practice, and authentic growth."


(Written by Yan Wang   Pictures by G9 volunteers  Edited by Cody Turner   Reviewed by Qian Zuo)