First Grade, Civil Engineering Science Experiments (Page 2)

Keeping You in Suspens(ion)

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Suspension bridges, with their tall towers, long spans, and gracefully curving cables, are beautiful examples of the work of civil engineers. How do the cables and towers carry the load that is on the bridge? Can a suspension bridge carry a greater load than a simple beam bridge? This science project shows you how to find out. Read more

Avoiding Disaster: The Right Bridge Design

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

A bridge collapse, like that of the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge, can be a major disaster. Bridges that cannot hold enough weight to do their intended job can be a serious public safety issue. And if they collapse, they can also cause economic damage due to costly rebuilding and people and companies scrambling to figure out how to circumvent the months of traffic impacts. Figure 1. On August 1, 2007 the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge collapsed killing 13… Read more

Set Your Table for a Sweet and Sticky Earthquake Shake

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever been in an earthquake? What did it feel like? Did you jiggle back and forth? Up and down? Was there a jolt? Or a rolling motion? Come build a house Hansel and Gretel would love to eat, a special table to shake it on, and see how different soil types can amplify shaking. Read more

The Design Process: Creating a Stronger Truss

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

This is an interesting project that explores which geometrical shapes make the strongest bridge truss structures. It is a good introduction to the engineering design process. You'll design three different trusses, and use online simulation software to analyze the distribution of load-bearing forces in each design. Then you'll build and test prototypes of each design. Read more

Building Block Towers

STEM Activity

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12 reviews

If you have ever built a tower with blocks, you have probably knocked it over—either on purpose, or by accident. Sometimes your tower gets too tall and wobbly, and you just cannot keep it standing! In this activity, you will learn about the trade-offs you need to make when building a tower that is both tall and stable. Read more

Earthquake Rollers

STEM Activity

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Earthquakes can cause serious damage to buildings and even loss of human life. Many of the world’s most populous cities are in earthquake-prone regions. How can engineers keep the millions of people in those cities safe? Find out how you can use science to save lives in this fun activity! Read more

Follow the Flow

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

This project is inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces, 2,000 year old structures carved into mountainsides in the Philippines. See if you can recreate the water flow of this ancient marvel, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, using just household materials! Looking for inspiration? You can see how other students have tackled this and other annual Science Buddies Engineering Challenges. Read more

How to Build on Mars!

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

The idea of a colony on Mars is exciting! In this science project, you will tackle one of the challenges a Martian colony will face: what will buildings on Mars be made of? In this project, you will make bricks from Martian-like ground cover and measure how strong these bricks are. Read more

Paper Bridge for Pennies

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Using just a single sheet of paper (8.5 x 11 inches) and up to five paper clips, can you build a bridge that will span 20 cm and support the weight of 100 pennies? The area beneath the span must be free (so that boats can pass beneath it). To test your bridge, place two books 20 cm apart, and set the bridge on the books, spanning the gap. Do not fasten the bridge to the book (nor to any other support). Does your bridge hold as much weight as you expected it would? If your bridge fails… Read more

Build a Sandcastle That Can Support a Brick

STEM Activity

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11 reviews