Science Challenge
Get involved in our September Science Challenge - Building a paper bridge
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September Science Challenge: Building a paper bridge
Resources:
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2 cups (these can be paper or plastic)
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a large supply of pennies
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2 pieces of paper
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tape
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scissors
Instructions:
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Take a strip of paper that is wide enough to cover the cups when they are turned upside down.
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Experiment with different types of fold to see if this affects the strength of the bridge (e.g., fold like a fan, fold the sides under, fold the sides over etc).
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Test the strength of the bridge by adding one penny at a time to see if the bridge can hold it (you could try to move the cups closer together or further away from each other to see if this makes a difference).
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After you have tested your designs, you could write a few sentences explaining which design worked best and why.
Please send a photo on Class Dojo to your teacher. All entries will receive a sticker.
The Science:
Bridges use a force called tension. This means that as vehicles go over the bridge, the weight and the force of them is spread out across the bridge.
Science of the Month: Physics
Choose one of the following topics to investigate:
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Make a list of the materials that bridges are made from.
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Find out the name and location of the longest bridge in the world.
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Find out 3 facts about Isambard Kingdom Brunel.