STEM-tastic Adventures Script

Welcome, everyone, to our STEM-tastic adventure! Today, we're going to have lots of fun learning about bridges and how they work. Let's get started!

Introduction and Warm-Up (5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to explore something very cool – bridges!"

"Before we jump into our fun activity, can anyone tell me what a bridge is? What do we use bridges for?"

(Wait for responses and encourage everyone to share some ideas.)

"Great answers, everyone! Now, think for a moment – what do you think makes a bridge strong? Is it the way it is built, the materials we use, or something else?"

(Encourage a few more responses and then say:)

"You're right! It all comes down to strong design and teamwork. Just like we work together, every part of a bridge helps make it strong!"

Demonstration and Explanation (10 minutes)

"Now, I'm going to show you a simple model of a bridge made with marshmallows and spaghetti – two things we might not think of as building materials, but today, they're our building stars!"

(Show a pre-built model of the bridge.)

"Take a look at this bridge. Notice the different parts: the connections, the supports, and how everything fits together. Let me explain a little bit more about each part:

• The marshmallows act like the joints where pieces meet. They give us some flexibility and help things stick together.
• The spaghetti pieces are like beams that make everything straight and sturdy.

"When we build our bridge today, we'll use these ideas: balance, structure, and, most importantly, teamwork."

(Ask the class:)
"Does anyone have an idea on how we might make our bridges even stronger?"

(Allow a few ideas; reinforce positive thoughts.)

Hands-On Activity (20 minutes)

"Now it's your turn! I will divide you into small groups so you can build your very own bridge using marshmallows and spaghetti."

"Here's what you'll do:

1. Work with your group to design and build a bridge using the materials on your table.
2. Remember to think about balance and how you connect your pieces.
3. Help each other and share ideas – teamwork is the key to a strong bridge!"

"I'll walk around and help if you have any questions, so don't be afraid to ask. Enjoy building and have fun creating your structures!"

(After the students begin working, encourage groups with positive comments like:)
"Wow, I love how you're working together! What strategy did your group decide to use?"

(Ask different groups for brief explanations.)

Wrap-Up and Reflection (10 minutes)

"Let's all come back together and take a look at the amazing bridges you created! Who would like to share what your group built and why you chose that design?"

(Listen to several groups and praise their creativity and teamwork.)

"Fantastic work, everyone! Today, we learned that building a strong bridge is like solving a puzzle – you need the right pieces, and you need to work together."

"Before we finish, I have a few questions for you:

• What did you learn about bridges today?
• How did working as a team help you build your bridge?
• Was there something fun or surprising that you noticed while building?

"Thank you for your hard work and brilliant ideas today. Remember, learning about STEM and engineering can be fun, and every experiment helps us find new ways to solve problems. Great job, everyone!"

(End with a round of applause or cheer for the students.)

"See you next time on our next STEM-tastic adventure!"

Building Bridges Activity

Welcome to the Building Bridges Activity! Today, you’ll work in groups to design and build your very own bridge using marshmallows and spaghetti. Follow the instructions below carefully, work as a team, and have lots of fun while learning about STEM and engineering!

Step 1: Forming Your Group and Planning

1. Gather into small groups of 3-4 students.
   
2. In your group, discuss ideas and decide on a design for your bridge. Think about what might make a bridge strong.
   
   
   
3. On a large sheet of paper, draw a simple sketch of your bridge design. Make sure to indicate where you will place marshmallows and spaghetti for joints and beams, respectively.
   
   
   

Step 2: Building the Bridge

1. Using your design as a guide, start building your bridge with the materials provided. Work together and take turns placing marshmallows and spaghetti in your construction.
   
   
   

2. Remember:

   • Marshmallows are used for the joints (where pieces meet).
   • Spaghetti will act as beams to connect and support your structure.
   • Stability and balance are important!
     
     
     

3. If your bridge doesn’t stand or needs improvement, work together to adjust the design. Think about what changes might make it stronger or more balanced.
   
   
   

Step 3: Testing Your Bridge

1. Once your bridges are built, gently test them by placing a small weight (e.g., a book) in the middle. Observe if the bridge holds and where it might bend or need extra support.
   
   
   
2. Discuss in your group what worked well and what could be improved for a stronger bridge.
   
   
   

Step 4: Reflection and Sharing

1. Once all groups have tested their bridges, gather as a class.
   
   
   
2. Each group will share:
   • A brief explanation of your bridge design and how you decided on it.
   • What you learned about teamwork and building strong structures.
     
     
     
3. Answer the following questions in your group or as a whole class:
   • What did you find challenging about building your bridge?
   • How did your group work together to solve problems?
   • What would you do differently if you built another bridge?
     
     
     

Great job, everyone! Remember, every experiment helps us discover new ways of solving problems, and sometimes making mistakes is part of learning. Keep exploring and having fun with STEM!