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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Challenge and Discover – Bridge Building

    Challenge and Discover – Bridge Building

    April 11, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 10 Comments

    Welcome to a new feature on Science Sparks, in collaboration with Inspiration Laboratories and The Imagination Tree. Each month we will set a challenge for you to try, and host a linky so we can see what you make. If you don’t have a blog and would like to join in you could upload an image to one of our Facebook pages. The theme for this month is bridge building.

    First we explored how shape can be important for strength. These brittle egg shells are actually quite strong due to the dome shape.

    Books on an egg

    My 6 year old experimented with DUPLO. He found that if he added extra supports the bridge was more stable.

    lego bridge

    We then tried one with just materials from the recycling bin. This fell over with two legs, but held the 1kg weight with three.

    DSC_0019

     

    We also did a great hangout with Red Ted Art which you can read here, all about strength of materials, which might give you even more inspiration. Please also check out Anna and Trisha’s posts as well.

    Things to think about:

    Support – can you make your bridge stronger using more supports?

    Shape – think about how the dome shape allows egg shells to hold a lot of weight.

    Materials – what materials are you using? Are they strong? How can you make them stronger?

    Other ideas

    What is the heaviest weight your bridge can hold? How could you change it to make it hold more?

    Please link up posts that showcase bridges you and your children built. Your bridge must hold at least 1 kg (a little over 2 lbs) and must be constructed of at least one item from the recycling bin. By linking up, you are giving us permission to grab one picture and feature your projects on our blogs and social media sites. There is a badge in the sidebar if you would like to use it.

    Sciencesparks3



    Last Updated on April 13, 2013 by Emma Vanstone

    « Weighing and measuring
    Earthworm Facts for Kids »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories

      April 12, 2013 at 8:37 pm

      I love how you made several different bridge designs!

      Reply
    2. [email protected]

      April 14, 2013 at 3:34 am

      Loving this!! We recently created a working drawbridge on a huge cardboard castle my daughter built. I really love this new challenge – can’t wait to see more 🙂

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        April 16, 2013 at 1:52 am

        Thanks Jacquie, thats lovely to know. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Carrie

      April 19, 2013 at 7:53 pm

      Oh, what a fun activity/challenge. When I taught geometry we explored strength of bridges due to shape. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!

      Reply
    4. Susan Mann

      April 23, 2013 at 1:17 pm

      Love the different designs and so much fun x

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        April 24, 2013 at 1:05 pm

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    5. Denisha

      March 08, 2017 at 9:34 pm

      Car loans are second only to credit cards in terms of financial black holes, they are best avoided if at all possible, what other inevntmest looses 30 percent of its value as soon as you buy it

      Reply

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