Mai Lesson
Super Paper Bridges
Science · 30 min · Ages 6-8 · Early elementary · Your child and Mai
Learners will design, build, and test different paper bridges to discover which shapes and structures create the strongest designs. This challenge encourages creative problem-solving and hands-on experimentation with basic engineering principles.
What your child gets out of it
- Design and construct a paper bridge using simple materials.
- Test the strength of different bridge designs by adding weight.
- Identify how shapes and structural elements can affect a bridge's stability.
What you need
- Paper
- Tape
- Pennies — Used for testing bridge strength; a good pile is best. (or Coins, Marbles, Small Rocks)
- Books — You'll need two sturdy ones of similar height to create a 'canyon'. (or Wood Blocks, Small Boxes, Cans)
- 2 books
How it runs
- Introduction · 5 min
- Explore & Plan · 8 min
- Discussion · 6 min
- Activity · 9 min
- Summary · 2 min
Why it matters
Engineers use these same ideas about shapes and strength to build everything from skyscrapers to spacecraft!
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