The simplest bridge forms have been used since time immemorial. Building bridges is an interesting activity that takes careful planning and design. What makes it even more interesting is building a bridge using simple, easily available everyday materials. While bridges come in multiple shapes and sizes, this activity aims to educate students about the bridge designs that can withstand the most weight, with the simplest of materials.
Jump to Instructions
Time Needed:
45 minutes
Materials Required:
Cardboard
Newspaper
String
Ice cream sticks
Sticking tape
Glue
Scissors
Marbles, Coins (or any weight to test the durability of the bridge)
The resources required for each group might vary according to their design.
Concept(s) Taught:
Material properties | Strength | Weight
Skill(s) Focussed:
Resource efficiency | Problem solving
Aligned Profession(s):
Civil engineering | Architecture
Instructions for students:
Step 0:
Educate students about the different types of bridges. Students should build a bridge using the given materials. The success of the bridge will be tested based on its ability to bear the load placed on it, by also taking into account the frugality of the resources used for the bridge.
Step 1:
Ask students to decide the type of bridge that their group would like to build and brainstorm the design for their bridge. Once the design has been finalised, each group can gather the required materials.
Step 2:
Next, the students can work together and build their bridge according to their design, and test its durability by placing a load on it.
Step 3:
Finally, the facilitator should test the durability of the bridge, and once it's verified, it's presentation time! Each group can then present their bridge to the rest of the groups!
Special Instructions for Teachers:
View samples of similar bridges
Take some time prior to the session to view samples of bridges constructed by children. This will ensure that you are equipped to nudge children in the right direction if they are unsure about how to proceed. Here are some examples:
https://shsphysicsclub.wordpress.com/gallery/2012-2/newspaper-bridge-challenge/
Introduce the different bridge types
Before students start designing their bridges, give them a little history about early bridges. Then, introduce the common types of bridges and the science behind each of them. If possible, show them real-world examples of each bridge type.
Push for efficiency
If students achieve the primary goal, give them a slightly harder goal (heavier load on the bridge, set resource constraints, etc.) and get them to build a slightly stronger bridge.
Ensure participation of all students
Be it in the design phase, or in the construction phase, ensure that all the students in a group participate equally, especially since this is a group activity that might not necessarily involve multiple components.
Discuss reasons for failure
It is possible that some of the models cannot bear the load placed. Discuss with the students the reasons why these models failed and guide them towards enhancing them.
Have fun making and share the works of your students with the hashtag #projectprayogshala to get featured!