Paper Arch Supports Weight
The shaped paper holds much more weight.
Teaching & key ideas
What you do: Bridge a gap with flat paper, then with folded/arched paper.
What students see: The shaped paper holds much more weight.
Why it works: Changing shape redirects forces and increases stiffness.
Question to ask: How did the same paper become stronger?
Lesson flow
Predict → demonstrate → observe → briefly explain → ask: How did the same paper become stronger?