Popsicle Bridge Building Challenge

Popsicle Stick Bridge Building Challenge

Involved in this STEM activity students are to construct a bridge made out of Popsicle sticks that extends at least 12 inches. In addition to extending out to 12 inches this bridge must be able to hold the weight of a small toy, this toy is to be chosen by the teacher. In order to craft out the bridge, students need a glue gun (depending on the grade level), 40-50 Popsicle sticks, a ruler, and a cookie sheet or parchment paper (to keep the bridge from sticking to other surfaces). Students will make predictions, test out those predictions, and make any modifications needed. This project/activity is a great STEM resource and lesson for educators to conduct. Students can be creative and come up with a variety of ways to construct this bridge. This activity ties into other concepts/subjects as well. For example, tying in math by needing to measure out the height and weight of their bridge. Students could also try to come up with different items and objects to make their bridge out of. However, this depends on if the teacher decides to come up with rules as to what you can and cannot build your bridge out of. This activity is a great, fun, and very interactive resource for educators to construct in their classrooms. There are a variety of subjects that can be tied in and it can help to grasp students attention and excitement in conducting a STEM activity.