Paper Bridge Materials Challenge
Grade Range
2nd
Group Size
1-2 students
Active Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Area of Science
Civil Engineering
Key Concepts
Material properties, strength
Learning Objectives
- Understand that different materials have different properties.
- Interpret the results of an experiment to determine which material is best suited for a certain purpose.
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity was inspired by Prof. Margot Vigeant of Bucknell University.
Special thanks to Cynthia Burke and Chris Bell for helpful discussions about this activity.
OverviewSteel, concrete, wood—real bridges are built from many different materials. How do engineers decide which materials to use? In this activity, your students will expand on the previous paper bridges lesson plan by building and testing bridges made from different materials. NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]() Construction paper, aluminum foil, wax paper, card stock, small books or boxes, pennies, tape and a ruler. For each group of students:
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Grade Range
2nd
Group Size
1-2 students
Active Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Area of Science
Civil Engineering
Key Concepts
Material properties, strength
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity was inspired by Prof. Margot Vigeant of Bucknell University. Learning Objectives
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