STEM For Kids - Let's Build a Bridge

DISCOVER

In this activity we will:
1. Experiment with materials to figure out how materials can be used to achieve a design.
2. Plan, test and improve on how well a structure works as a bridge.

PLAY

Materials you need:

1. Paper items - paper cups, paper, newspaper, tissue roll
2. Items of different weights – Stones vs coins
3. Sticky tape, masking tape
4. Wooden blocks
5. Small boxes of different height

Set it up:

1. Prepare strips of paper or newspaper in whole pieces and different widths.
2. Print out different bridge structures for reference.

Steps to guide Little Discoverers

1. Introduce the challenge which is to build a strong bridge that will hold up to five 50 cents coins.
2. Run through the resources available for children to design their bridges. Discuss how each material feels.
3. Let children feel the weight of five 50cents coins and discuss how they would approach their design.
4. Support children in building their bridges, and always allow them to follow their own ideas.
5. You can build a bridge too so you can compare both bridges.
6. When children have completed their bridge, remind them that the challenge is to see if it can hold five 50 cents coins. Ask if they would like to make any changes before it is tested.
7. After testing the bridge, encourage them to explain why the bridge was successful or unsuccessful.

LEARN

This bridge planning, designing and building activity provide the opportunity for children to gain knowledge and hands-on practical experience regarding the basic of physics and engineering as they figure out how to use the materials they have to build a stable bridge.

Key vocabularies to use:
Bridge, strong, fall, build, stable, unstable

Ways to adapt the activity:
For beginners, work on the bridge design together while allowing them to test out some of their ideas in the design. Introduce lesser materials if necessary.
For advanced learners, discuss if they could make their bridge look different while still making it strong. (For example, adding an arch.)

Continue the exploration and make a longer and stronger bridge. For example, make a bridge that’s 30cm long and will support up to 10 pebbles. Introduce other materials such as straws, playing cards or spaghetti.