Investigation – Bridges: Constructing a Beam Bridge

Investigation – Bridges: Constructing a Beam Bridge

STEM

Engineering

Cross-cutting Concepts

Levels of Thinking

Resources are categorized by whether they target foundational levels of thinking or levels of thinking that extend past foundational levels (expanding).

Suggested AdaptationS

Check out our guide to adaptations. Adapt for environment, materials, instruction.

General Guide to Adaptations

Description

Offer children blocks and other small toys and present the problem:

“The animals want to have a party across this river. How can we use these materials to get the animals across the river without them getting wet?”

Interactive Lesson

Materials

Provide a variety of materials including larger blocks/objects for easier grasping and visibility.

Instruction

  • Provide a visual of a simple beam bridge (two supports and one beam).
  • Model making a beam bridge.

STEM Ideas/Words

Investigation

STEMIE Learning Trajectories