lenny

STEM Exploration Challenge

Lesson Plan

STEM Exploration Challenge

STEM and Teamwork

In this lesson, students will work in teams to design and build a simple bridge using everyday materials. This project-based activity will require students to apply basic STEM concepts and practice teamwork skills. The activity is designed to foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration, which are essential skills for success in both academic and real-world settings.

Audience

Leaders and Contenders (11-17)

Time

1 hour

Approach

Project-Based Learning, Experiential Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Popsicle sticks, Glue, String, Scissors, Measuring tape, Weights (small bags of sand or similar items), and Printable instructions

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

  • Welcome students and explain the objectives of the lesson: to apply STEM concepts and practice teamwork.
  • Briefly discuss the importance of engineering and teamwork in solving real-world problems.
  • Outline the activity: designing and building a simple bridge using provided materials.

Step 2

Planning Phase

10 mins

  • Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
  • Distribute the materials to each group.
  • Explain the rules: the bridge must span a gap of 30 cm and support as much weight as possible without collapsing.
  • Allow teams to brainstorm and sketch their bridge designs.

Step 3

Building Phase

25 mins

  • Groups begin constructing their bridges based on their designs.
  • Instructors circulate to provide guidance and support as needed.
  • Encourage students to test their bridges as they build and make improvements.

Step 4

Testing Phase

10 mins

  • Each group presents their completed bridge and explains their design choices.
  • Test the bridges by gradually adding weights to see how much each bridge can support.
  • Measure and record the weight supported by each bridge.

Step 5

Discussion and Reflection

5 mins

  • Facilitate a group discussion on the outcomes of the activity.
  • Ask questions such as:
    • What challenges did you face during the project?
    • How did your team overcome these challenges?
    • What did you learn about engineering and teamwork?
  • Collect feedback on what could be improved in future activities.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Worksheet

Printable Instructions

These cards provide step-by-step instructions for students to follow during the bridge-building activity.




Design a bridge that spans a gap of 30 cm using provided materials.







Your bridge should support as much weight as possible without collapsing.







Brainstorm and sketch your design before building.







Test your bridge as you build, and make improvements as needed.







Present your bridge and explain your design choices.







Test the bridge by adding weights and record the weight it can support.




lenny
lenny
STEM Exploration Challenge • Lenny Learning