STEM Challenge: Build a Bridge

Zabrina Walker

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

STEM Challenge: Build a Bridge

DIY STEM

In this lesson, students will engage in a hands-on STEM activity where they will work in teams to design and build a bridge using everyday materials. This lesson is important as it encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in STEM fields. By participating in this activity, students will gain a better understanding of engineering principles and the importance of collaboration in achieving a common goal.

Audience

6th grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Active Learning, Collaborative Learning, Game-Based Learning, Experiential Learning

Materials

Popsicle sticks, Glue, String, Scissors, Paper, Pencils, Rulers, Discussion Questions, and Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Briefly introduce the concept of engineering and its importance in everyday life.
Explain the challenge: to build a bridge that can hold a certain weight using only the materials provided.
Divide students into small groups.

Step 2

Planning Phase

5 mins

Distribute paper and pencils to each group.
Instruct groups to brainstorm and sketch their bridge designs.
Encourage students to consider factors like stability and strength.

Step 3

Building Phase

10 mins

Provide each group with materials: popsicle sticks, glue, string, scissors.
Allow students to construct their bridges based on their designs.
Circulate the room to offer guidance and support.

Step 4

Testing Phase

5 mins

Once the bridges are built, test each one by gradually adding weight.
Discuss with the class which designs were most successful and why.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Lead a discussion on what students learned about engineering and teamwork.
Ask students to reflect on what they might do differently next time.

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Discussion

Bridge Building Discussion

A discussion to reflect on the bridge building activity and explore engineering concepts.

What challenges did you face while building your bridge?

Encourage students to think about design, materials, and teamwork challenges.

How did your team decide on the final design?

Discuss the decision-making process and how ideas were evaluated.

What would you change about your design if you could do it again?

Focus on lessons learned and potential improvements.

Worksheet

Bridge Building Worksheet

A worksheet to guide students through the planning and reflection stages of the bridge building activity.

Sketch your initial bridge design.

Include labels for materials and dimensions.

List the materials you used and why you chose them.

Consider the properties of each material.

Reflect on the testing phase. How did your bridge perform?

Think about the strengths and weaknesses of your design.