The Badge Archive

Pringle Chip Challenge

This activity is a fun way to explore engineering and physics concepts like balance, friction, and gravity. Plus, it’s a tasty challenge! 🍟✨

Items Needed

  • 1 full can of Pringles chips (any flavor, but make sure the chips are whole and unbroken.)
  • A clean, flat surface (like a table or desk)
  • (Optional) Garbage bags or tablecloth to protect the surface
  • Hand sanitizer or wet wipes for clean hands

Pro Tip: For best results, use Pringles brand chips exclusively! Their specific curve design is crucial to successfully completing the challenge. Off-brand chips may lack the same consistent curvature, making it more difficult—or even impossible—to create the ring.

Instructions

  1. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to ensure cleanliness. Set up your workspace by covering the surface with a garbage bag or tablecloth if needed.
  2. Start the Base: Take two Pringles chips and place them flat on the surface, slightly overlapping to form the start of a curve.
  3. Add a third chip on top of the overlap to begin building the base of your ring.
  4. Continue adding chips one at a time, alternating sides to maintain balance. Each chip should slightly overlap the previous one, creating a circular structure. Be patient and precise—this challenge requires focus and a steady hand!
    • If the structure starts to collapse, carefully remove the last few chips and adjust the placement. Use only whole chips for stability.
  5. Keep adding chips until the ends of the structure meet, forming a complete ring. This may take some trial and error, so don’t give up!
  6. Once your Pringle ring is complete, take a photo to document your achievement. Carefully disassemble the ring and enjoy the chips as a reward for your hard work if you desire!

Fun Patches

References:

  • Brown, Erin Ewens. “Pringles Ring STEM Challenge: Build a Perfect Circle!” Marley Moon, 26 July 2024, http://www.marleymoon.com/post/blog-post-1. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
  • “Pringles Ring STEM Challenge (Includes FREE Recording Sheet).” Carly and Adam, 5 Apr. 2019, carlyandadam.com/thecarlyandadam/pringles-ring-stem-challenge. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Tia Kennard