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    Home » Early Years Science » How to build a stable LEGO Bridge

    How to build a stable LEGO Bridge

    August 14, 2014 By Emma Vanstone 2 Comments

    Are you ready for our 6th LEGO® activity for the summer? We made several bridges and then devised a way to test how stable they were.

    First we discussed how to test each bridge, we tried adding weights to the top, but they just fell off rather than breaking the bridge. We tried hanging weights from the bridge, but again they fell off. So we decided to roll a ball towards the bridge to see if it fell over.

    You’ll need

    LEGO® bricks – we used DUPLO

    Different size balls

    LEGO base

    Things to consider

    The more force behind as you push, the more force applied to the bridge. So if you roll a ball hard the bridge is more likely to fall over than if you roll gently.

    To reduce the variable effect of this, the same person rolled the same ball from the same distance each time, trying to keep the force behind the ball the same.

    LEGO Bridge made from DUPLO

    The first bridge fell over straight away, so we strengthened the base, but it still fell over.

    LEGO Bridge made form DUPLO for an engineering challenge

    We strengthened the bridge further with an extra piece of LEGO® in the middle and it stayed upright.

    LEGO Bridge

    What features do you think make a stable structure?

    Extension Tasks

    Test a tower for stability using a pendulum.

    Can you build a structure using marshmallows and spaghetti? This activity gets a bit messy and stick but is brilliant fun!

    Make a sweetie house and test for the best ‘cement’.

    Find out why domes are strong using egg shells. A brittle egg shell may be stronger than you think!

    Make a colourful Twirligig like Teach Beside Me!

    Or, try one of my many other engineering project ideas for kids!

    Bridge made from LEGO®

    Last Updated on April 28, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

    « Loom band bouncy balls
    Balloon Powered LEGO Car »

    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.

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