Hey there! Today, we’re going to learn how to build a super cool blanket fort using some simple science. Squeeks and I just made a fort inside our fort, and you can do it too! Forts are awesome spaces for reading, snacking, and hiding. You can use cushions, blankets, and even furniture to make them. But did you know that all forts need something called forces to stay together?
Forces are the pushes and pulls that objects put on each other. They’re everywhere! Engineers study forces to design and build things like skyscrapers and bridges. So, when you build your fort, you’re thinking like an engineer!
One important force you’ll need to know is called tension. Tension is a pulling force that makes things tight. It’s the same force that helps suspension bridges hold up cars and trucks. Bridges use cables that are pulled tight by heavy anchors, creating tension to keep them strong.
Let’s use tension to build a fort! First, grab a sheet and a couple of chairs. Put the ends of the sheet over the backs of the chairs. Then, place heavy books on each corner of the sheet to stretch it tight. The books act like anchors, pulling the sheet tight and creating tension, just like a bridge!
Want to try another design? Tie a string to a sturdy piece of furniture, like a bedpost. Pull the string tight and tie the other end to something heavy. Drape the sheet over the string and anchor the edges with books. Now you have a tent-fort! This design uses tension in two places: the string is pulled tight, and the sheet is pulled up by the string and down by the books.
Without tension, your sheet would just flop around. But with tension, your fort has shape and strength. All you need now is a flashlight and some snacks. Whether you want to snuggle up with a book or make a secret hideout, tension will help you build the perfect fort.
How do you like to build your forts? Have you made one you’re really proud of? Send us a picture or ask us anything on your mind! Just leave a comment below or email us at [email protected]. See you next time!
Experiment with Tension: Try building a mini fort using different materials and observe how tension works. Gather a few items like rubber bands, string, and yarn. Use these to create tension by stretching them between two objects, like chair legs or table corners. Which material creates the strongest tension? Discuss with a friend or family member why you think some materials work better than others.
Observation Walk: Go on a walk around your house or neighborhood with an adult and look for examples of tension in everyday life. Can you find a clothesline, a bridge, or even a swing? Talk about how tension is used in these examples and why it is important. Draw a picture of your favorite example and explain how tension helps it work.
Fort Design Challenge: Using what you’ve learned about tension, design a new fort. Gather materials like sheets, blankets, string, and books. Try to create a fort that uses tension in a new way. Once your fort is built, invite a family member or friend to test its strength by gently pushing on it. Does it hold up? What changes could you make to improve it?
