You Will Need
Provided Resources
- Paper Bridge Designs resource
Additional Resources
- A selection of different sorts of paper
- Scissors
- Tape
- Toy car
Weblinks
World's Strongest Paper Bridge Competition from www.YouTube.com
Paper bridges
Science Year 2
This unit is part of
Year 2 Science Squash, Bend, Twist, Stretch
Objectives
Using your knowledge of paper strength and rigidity, build a paper bridge strong enough to hold a toy car.
Science Objectives
i) Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses.
ii) Find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching.
Working Scientifically
- Ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways.
- Observe closely, using simple equipment.
- Perform simple tests.
- Identify and classify.
- Use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.
- Gather and record data to help answer questions.
Extended Writing Opportunities
Information texts: A toy firm wants to know what the best design for a paper bridge is. Write up how you carried out your investigation and what you recommend.
Lesson Planning
Teaching
- Revise learning about materials and their properties.
- Work in small groups to design and make a paper bridge to hold a toy car.
- Explain selections and predictions for the success of their bridge.
- Consider the question: what happens if the paper is folded into a concertina shape?
Activities
- Articulate their learning about materials and their properties.
- Work in small groups to design and make a paper bridge to hold a toy car, selecting the paper they think will work best.
- Explain their selections and predictions for the success of their bridge.
Investigation - problem solving
Work in small groups to design and make a paper bridge to hold a toy car, selecting the paper they think will work best.
Vocabulary
Strong, tear, rip, weight, rigidity, flexibility, concertina, material, properties