Each group needs:

• 1 aluminum foil mold (0.5 x 0.5 x 5 inches; 1.27 x 1.27 x 12.7 cm; see below)
• 4 party-size Laffy Taffy® candies
• 510 ml tap water
• 1 glass stir rod
• 1 hot plate
• 2 beakers
• 1 graduated cylinder
• 1 thermometer
• 1 oven mitt or glove rated for a minimum of 350 °F
• 1 metal or plastic tray ~1 inch (2.54 cm) deep
• lab aprons and safety goggles/glasses, for each student
• Battle of the Beams Activity Worksheet, one per student

To share with the entire class:

• 1 balance, for measuring reinforcements
• 1 box spaghetti noodles (dry, uncooked, for use as a reinforcement phase)
• Nerds® candy (for use as a reinforcement phase)
• 1 bag long-grained rice (for use as a reinforcement phase)
• plastic containers to hold each type of reinforcement
• 2 flat tables spaced ~3 inches apart (alternative: 2 ring stands with horizontal extensions)
• spring scale, or other device for measuring weight (optional, if want to continuously measure beam load)
• assorted weights that can be hung by string or placed in/on weight container/pan
• fishing line (10-pound test) or string
• scissors, to cut fishing line/string
• 1 paper towel
• soap and water at sink, for cleaning glassware
• (optional) yardstick
• (optional) first place team prize (perhaps leftover candies)

To make an aluminum foil mold, one per group:

• 9-in x 12-in sheet of aluminum foil (~23-cm x ~30-cm)
• masking tape
• scissors
• ruler
• Mold Construction Instructions