In this article, the author presents an activity that uses simple paperboard from the back of a pad of paper to illustrate some basic construction principles as students experiment with conducting load tests. The author describes the steps in conducting a load test as well as adding a strut support system. The important lesson here is that materials can support different loads or weight depending upon how they are loaded. The paperboard can support much more weight (in other words, has less sag) if loaded edge-on, rather than face-on--just like a length of wood or steel. (Contains 3 figures.)