Discover Engineering in Central Texas

Grade Level: Elementary School, Grades 1^st– 6^th

Related Classroom Topics:  Civil Engineering, Force, Structures

Supplies Needed:

Divide Students into groups of 3-5.  Each team will need:

• Paper
• Pencils
• Straws
• Toothpicks
• Clear tape
• Scissors

Fill several 2-liter bottles with water to test the integrity of the bridge.

Procedure:  Set the stage: students must build a bridge using only existing materials.  The bridge needs to be long enough to span the distance (use textbooks, desks, or tables to create the space to be spanned) and strong enough to hold the weight.  Have students work in teams.  Allow ample time to design their structures.  Have students talk about design ideas.  Adapt this project for older students (9-12) by using lots of string, a few popsicle sticks, and glue instead of the materials listed above.  Notes: Have teams build and test their structures. 

Extensions:  Adapt this project for older students (9-12) by using lots of string, a few popsicle sticks, and glue instead of the materials listed above.  Give the student groups a limited amount of "money" to build bridge--make each material cost a certain amount of money.  Ask these student groups to assign role for each member--i.e. Company President, Chief Engineer, Accountant.  The Company President overseas all operations in building the bridge and works with the accountant to create a budget for building the bridge.  The Chief Engineer is highly involved in the actual bridge building process, coming up with ideas to make the most stable and sturdy bridge.

Related topics you could discuss:  Famous bridges around the world; civil engineering; engineering principles

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