House

• Build on a firm and flat surface, such as hardwood floor or tile. Start with a base of four, six, eight or ten planks. The size of the base determines the perimeter of your house. Create four walls by standing up several blocks vertically on each side of the base. When the walls are complete, create a ceiling with the same dimensions as your base. Construct a slanted roof by leaning planks against one another, or create a second story using the same process you used to create the first story.
  
  

Cone Shape

• Start with a base of three or four planks. Stack planks on the base so the structure builds upward. Space out the planks and add an extra plank every couple of levels so that the structure branches outward from the base, creating a cone shape. Make the ultimate width twice as big as the base. Once you reach this point, you can sit back and admire your work or keep widening the structure until it falls.
  
  

Tallest Structure

• This is best carried out in a group setting. Split everyone into teams of three or four individuals and ask them to make the tallest structure they can. Provide step ladders if necessary. Each team is given a set amount of time to create the tallest structure they can. If the tower falls before it is measured, that group is disqualified.
  
  

Cage

• Create a cage for a stuffed animal. Use the basic house plan described above (one or two levels will work). Instead of creating solid walls as you did with the house, turn the planks 90 degrees so that they instead create cage bars. Put your stuffed animal inside before the cage bars are completed.