Super Paper Bridges
Learners will design, build, and test different paper bridges to discover which shapes and structures create the strongest designs. This challenge encourages creative problem-solving and hands-on experimentation with basic engineering principles.
The lesson goal is in this spark, your learner will design and construct a paper bridge using simple materials, test the strength of different bridge designs by adding weight and identify how shapes and structural elements can affect a bridge's stability.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Ask about bridges they have seen.
- Ask what they notice about them.
- Ask how bridges stay up.
- Move on when Student expresses curiosity and shares an initial thought about bridges.
Photo by Soumalya Halder on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Gather paper, tape, pennies, and two books.
- Brainstorm ways to make paper strong.
- Ask about their first bridge idea.
- Ask how they'll test bridge strength.
- Move on when Student has a rough idea for a bridge design and has gathered materials.
Photo by Mike van Schoonderwalt on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Discuss why folding paper makes it stronger.
- Ask what happens with flat paper.
- Ask for their bridge prediction.
- Move on when Student can explain their prediction and some reasoning for it.
Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Set up two books 6-8 inches apart.
- Build the paper bridge using tape.
- Experiment with folds and shapes.
- Slowly add pennies to the bridge.
- Count how many pennies it holds.
- Ask what happens as pennies are added.
- Move on when Student has completed the physical activity.
Photo by Arturo Gonzalez on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Reflect on what they learned about bridges.
- Move on when Student shares one key takeaway.
Photo by Mikael Blomkvist on Pexels
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