Bridge STEM Activity

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Are you looking for a rainy day activity that fosters creativity and the love of learning? Here is a fun STEM building challenge for kids that they are sure to enjoy.

What is STEM?

STEM is an interdisciplinary approach to learning. It integrates the academic subjects of science, technology, engineering and math with real world situations. STEM activities provide opportunities for kids to inquiry, practice hands on learning and learn how to problem solve, while encouraging creativity. These are skills that kids will need later on in the workforce.

Building a Bridge STEM Activity How To:

*Depending on the materials you’re using at home, you may need to modify or assist smaller children during this activity.

Pulling together materials you have lying around your home, challenge your children to construct a bridge that can span over the width of a river.

Suggested materials:

• popsicle sticks
• pipe cleaners
• tape/glue
• construction paper
• Play-Doh
• LEGOS
• marble gems for crafting
• cardboard
• toilet paper/paper towel rolls
• wooden blocks

On a large piece of paper (construction/manila) sketch out a river. Using the the crafting materials, have your child build a bridge. Their bridge should allow a toy figurine to travel across.

You could have your children work together or independently on their own bridge. My children work better independently versus together and I wanted to see how each one of them would approach this challenge. I would suggest to give your children time to think out their plan and test it. Allow them to do the thinking and you will be surprised what they can create.

This activity can take however long you want. My children worked on it for about an hour and half before taking a break, and then they worked on it for about another hour afterwards. Allow your child to have fun, think outside the box and even build onto the idea by adding other details.

I would love to see all your children’s great bridges. Send me pictures of their work or tag me on social media.