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Craft an ice cream that is as tall as you

Craft an ice cream that is as tall as you
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Measure your height, then design and build an ice cream tower as tall as you using paper, cups, craft materials to explore balance and measurement.

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Step-by-step guide to make an ice cream tower as tall as you

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard sheet or sturdy cardboard box piece, colouring materials, construction paper, cotton balls or crumpled paper for scoops, glue stick, measuring tape or ruler, paper cups, scissors, stickers or pom poms for decoration, tape

Step 1

Stand straight with your heels touching a wall.

Step 2

Ask an adult to hold the measuring tape at the floor and measure up to the top of your head.

Step 3

Write your height number on a piece of paper.

Step 4

Measure the height of one paper cup or one scoop element with the measuring tape.

Step 5

Use your height and the cup height to figure out how many cups or scoops you will need.

Step 6

Draw a simple plan showing how many layers you will make and what colors you want for each scoop.

Step 7

Gather the number of cups and the scoop materials plus the cardboard base and decorations.

Step 8

Tape the cardboard flat to make a sturdy base for your tower.

Step 9

Roll a piece of cardboard into a tight tube and tape it to make a central support pole.

Step 10

Make one scoop by crumpling a sheet of construction paper or shaping a bunch of cotton balls into a round ball.

Step 11

Repeat making scoops until you have the number you calculated.

Step 12

Attach each scoop to a paper cup using tape or glue.

Step 13

Stack the scooped cups onto the central tube one at a time until the top of the tower reaches your written height.

Step 14

If the tower wobbles add tape supports between cups or to the base to steady it.

Step 15

Share a photo or video of your finished ice cream tower on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of a measuring tape or cotton balls if we don't have them?

If you don't have a measuring tape use a ruler or yardstick and have an adult mark your height on the wall or a length of string and write that number on paper, and if you don't have cotton balls make scoops by crumpling extra construction paper as the instructions suggest.

My tower keeps wobbling—what step can I change to make it steady?

If the tower wobbles follow the instruction to add tape supports between cups or to the base and also make the cardboard base wider and strengthen the central support pole by rolling two or three sheets of cardboard tightly together before taping.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older children?

For preschoolers (3–5) simplify by measuring with an adult, using fewer large pre-made scoops and an adult-made support tube, while older kids (8+) can measure independently, calculate the exact number of cups from their height, draw a detailed plan of color layers, and roll their own cardboard central pole as instructed.

What are some fun ways to personalize or extend the ice cream tower once it's built?

To enhance the project follow your drawn plan to paint or label each scoop, decorate the cardboard base with stickers, glue battery-operated LED tea lights or add flavor name tags between layers, then share the photo or video as the final instruction says.

Watch videos on how to make an ice cream tower as tall as you

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How to make origami ice-cream cone for kids|| Paper folding craft easy step by step for Beginners.

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Facts about measurement and engineering for kids

⚖️ A tower will tip when its center of mass falls outside its base, so balance is all about where the weight sits.

🍦 Ice cream has been enjoyed in many forms for centuries — frozen treats show up in records from ancient times to modern ice cream shops!

📐 Long before rulers, people measured with body parts: the ancient cubit was based on the length of a forearm.

🧻 Rolled or folded paper makes surprisingly strong columns — architects and designers often use paper tubes for lightweight strength tests.

📏 The tallest person ever recorded was Robert Wadlow, who reached 8 ft 11 in (272 cm) — that's taller than most doorways!

How do I make an ice cream tower as tall as my child?

Start by measuring your child’s height with a tape measure and mark it on the wall or long roll of paper. Build a sturdy base from stacked cups or cardboard boxes, then create “cones” from rolled cardstock and “scoops” from paper plates, foam circles, or lightweight bowls. Stack scoops, testing balance as you go; use tape or Blu Tack to secure layers. Adjust shapes for stability, decorate each scoop, then place the finished tower next to the height mark to compare.

What materials do I need to build an ice cream tower as tall as me?

You’ll need a measuring tape and marker, long paper or place to mark height, sturdy base items (plastic cups, cardboard boxes), cones made from cardstock or paper, scoops from paper plates, foam sheets, or lightweight bowls, scissors, tape (masking or duct), glue stick or PVA, decorations like colored paper and stickers, optional weights for testing stability, and a step stool for adult help. Keep safety scissors and adult supervision for young children.

What ages is this ice cream tower activity suitable for?

This activity works well for preschoolers through elementary ages. With adult help, toddlers (3–4) can measure and decorate; ages 5–7 enjoy stacking and basic design with supervision for cutting and gluing; ages 8–12 can experiment with balance, trial-and-error engineering, and more complex materials. Tailor difficulty: simplify with bigger pieces for younger kids or challenge older children to improve stability and height while recording measurements.

What are the benefits and safety tips for making a height-tall ice cream tower?

Benefits include practicing measurement, spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, creativity, and teamwork. It’s a playful way to learn estimation and balance. For safety, supervise cutting and use of adhesives, avoid heavy items high on the tower, anchor the base on flat ground, clear the surrounding floor, and use non-toxic materials. Keep a grown-up nearby when a step stool is used and choose lightweight decorations to prevent tipping and injury.
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Craft an ice cream that is as tall as you. Activities for Kids.