9. Mini Header Strength Test

Objective: Students will test and compare the strength of different materials used for headers, demonstrating how construction material choices affect structural load-bearing.

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard strips (cut to ~6" long, 1" wide)

• Popsicle sticks (or wooden coffee stirrers)

• Glue (wood glue or hot glue)

• 2 small blocks or stacks of books (as wall supports)

• Weights: Pennies, coins, washers, or small nuts

• Ruler or measuring tape

• Notebook or worksheet for observations

Instructions:

Step 1: Build Two Mini Headers

• Header A (Weaker Material): Glue 2–3 layers of cardboard together flat, forming a “beam.”

• Header B (Stronger Material): Glue 2–3 popsicle sticks together side-by-side and reinforce with one across the bottom like an

Let glue dry before testing.

Step 2: Set Up the Test Rig

• Place your two books or blocks about 5" apart to act as “walls.”

• Lay Header A across the top like a bridge.

• Ensure both ends are well-supported and level.

Step 3: Load the Header

• Begin stacking coins or weights on top of the center of the header, one at a time.

• Stop when the header visibly bends or collapses.

• Record how many coins it held before bending.

Repeat for Header B.

Step 4: Compare Results

• Record in a table:

Mini Header Test Results

• Which held more weight?

• What material properties made a difference?

Step 5: Reflect

Write 2–3 sentences answering:

• Why do real headers need to be made from strong materials?

• What surprised you about your results?