Science Challenge

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:

  • 2 cups (these can be paper or plastic)

  • a large supply of pennies

  • 2 pieces of paper

  • tape

  • scissors

Instructions:

  1. Take a strip of paper that is wide enough to cover the cups when they are turned upside down.

  2. 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).

  3. 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).

  4. 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:

  1. Make a list of the materials that bridges are made from.

  2. Find out the name and location of the longest bridge in the world.

  3. Find out 3 facts about Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

You can also download our Science Challenge as a PDF.