This resource is guaranteed to spark creativity and loads of on-task excitement in your classroom! All you need is everything included here, straws (any kind- paper or plastic- less than $2 at Target) and tape & paper already have in your classroom! You can use it with OR without the inspirational children's book: Rosie Revere, Engineer - your choice!
It's mess-free, stress-free, and TONS of FUN for big thinkers of all ages! This is the perfect any-time-of-year activity that will leave even the littlest engineers (like my Kindergarteners!) feeling extremely successful and engaged in the creative process.
Included in this resource (all accessible for display and printing through Google Slides) you get:
✅2 pages of instructions and teacher tips to answer all your questions and get you off to a great start,
✅2 printable student pages for kids to record their data on (these sheets also walk them step-by-step through these steps: ask, plan, create & evaluate, and ask more & improve. I run them back to back so every kid just needs one paper),
✅A 20-word word search for fast finishers (or to use anytime! Honestly- my kids didn’t want to EVER stop building bridges so I just put this out later for fun! Haha!),
✅Real-life photos from history, info, and links to 4 kid-friendly YouTube video clips about engineering, planes, and women in WWII
✅30 beautiful, engaging slides that walk you and your students step-by-step through the bridge building STEM experience!
Preparation/ More Details:
This activity is a thoughtful, engaging, hands-on experience in bridge building. You can definitely add your own spin on everything, but here are details about how I like to do this lesson with my kindergarteners:
- Groups: I like to have kids work in partners so they can help each other and engage in meaningful conversations. You could also have them do this as individuals or small groups.
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Supplies: Each group needs:
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- ✏️ six 1x5 inch strips of paper
- ✏️ 2 straws (paper or plastic- super cheap)
- ✏️ tape
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