They spent 15 hours pulling out 120,000 individually wrapped straws before they could even get started. They also painted a couple of 2-by-4's, which were dotted with nails 1 inch apart, to wrap the straws around so the feat can be contained in a gymnasium floor.

By Friday afternoon, students appeared to have a long night ahead.

Science and math teacher Tom Sharpe had no doubts the students, who donated $10 to participate, would break the record. (Proceeds go to the American Red Cross.)

But some were already getting tired two hours into the nine-hour project. Several brought pillows to sit or kneel on as the hours waned.

"It's a lot of work," student Daniel Hogan said. "It really gets to you after awhile."

The activity appeared to be more party than academics.

But think again, teachers said.

In the ice-cream tower, students applied physics and math skills to ensure the gelato didn't topple or melt too quickly. Students had to wade through reference books to pick out a feat, then make the appropriate contacts for certification, sponsors and media coverage.

"It teaches teamwork, logistics, problem-solving," Brough said. "It's actually learning more about how life is manipulated and (works) than you do sitting on your can somewhere."

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E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com