Building Paper Bridges: A Fun STEM Activity

Today, we will explore how to build different types of bridges using paper.
We’ll test the strength of our bridges with pennies!
Get ready to think creatively and scientifically in our fun STEM activity!
Let’s find out which design will hold the most weight!
Visual: An image of various paper bridges being tested with pennies on top.
Engagement: Quick poll: “What do you think is the most important thing in building a strong bridge?”

Identify a problem: How can we build a paper bridge?
Brainstorm ideas: Think about different shapes and designs.
Create a prototype: Build your bridge using selected materials.
Test and evaluate: See how many pennies your bridge can hold.
Improve: Make changes to strengthen your bridge if needed!
Visual: A flowchart showing the steps of the engineering design process.
Engagement: Turn and talk: “Have you ever built something before? What steps did you take?”

2 plastic or paper cups
A large supply of pennies
2 pieces of construction paper
Tape
Scissors
Visual: Photo showing all materials laid out.
Engagement: Ask: “What materials do you think will be the most helpful?”

Take a strip of construction paper, 11 inches long.
Set it on two upside-down cups, a few inches apart.
Test its strength by adding pennies one by one.
Result: Typically holds only one penny before collapsing.
Visual: Photo of the single strip bridge with pennies.
Engagement: Quick write: “What do you think went wrong with this design?”

Fold the paper into a collapsed oval shape, making sure it's still 11 inches long.
Tap the edges together for stability and test with pennies.
Result: Holds more pennies but still can bow in the middle.
Visual: Image of the collapsed oval bridge with pennies.
Engagement: Think-pair-share: “How does the shape of the bridge affect its strength?”

Create an accordion-style bridge by folding the paper into narrow sections.
Lay it over the two cups, ensuring it’s 11 inches long.
Result: Often holds all pennies and is very stable!
Visual: Picture showing the accordion folded bridge with weights.
Engagement: Quick discussion: “What design features made this bridge strong?”

Challenge: Create your own bridge using just one piece of paper!
Keep the cups a specific distance apart and test how many pennies it can hold.
Remember: You can change your design if it doesn’t work the first time!
Visual: Illustration of students designing their bridges.
Engagement: Exit ticket: “What design will you try first and why?”

Ready, set, go! Test your bridges one at a time.
Keep track of how many pennies each design holds before it fails.
Discuss with your group which bridge won!
Visual: Countdown timer graphic for excitement.
Engagement: Classroom challenge: “Who can build the strongest bridge?”

Let’s share the results. Which bridges were the strongest?
Why do you think certain designs worked better than others?
Discuss: How does the shape and structure influence strength?
Visual: Chart comparing results of different bridge designs.
Engagement: Group reflection: “What did you learn about engineering today?”

Building bridges is a fun way to learn about engineering!
Think about other materials you could use at home to build different bridges.
Challenge yourself: Can you incorporate more advanced designs or materials next time?
Visual: Inspirational picture of bridges in real life.
Engagement: Homework: Draw or build another type of bridge at home and share your design with the class next time!