Name of lesson: Building Bridges

Grade Level: 2nd Grade

Suggested group size: Whole Group and Small Group (2-3 students per group)
Subject: Science
Standard: Next Generation Science Standards
Engineering Design

K-2- Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an
ETS1-2 object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

Objective: Students will be able to construct and improve a strong bridge that can hold
at least four wooden alphabet blocks.
Materials:
Pictures of different types of bridges: arch, beam, suspension, draw
Paper/pencil
tape, glue, tape measure
Tables, chairs, stacks of books (for creating gap to build bridge).
Wooden alphabet blocks
Sticky notes (at least 5 per group)
Collection of bridge related books-Picture and Informational text
Procedures: Whole Group (10 Minutes)
1. Show pictures of bridges and ask the children, have you seen this type of bridge
in real life? When and where? Turn to your partner and discuss-Teacher will
observe and make sure that all students are participating, Teacher will point to
the different bridges and ask who or what crossed this type of bridge?
2. Introduce the following vocabulary words:
Bridge-A structure that allows people, vehicles, or animals to cross over an open
space.
Long- Distance from one end to the other.
Strong- Something that is able to withstand pressure or weight.
3. Explain the bridge building activity to the students. “For this activity, you are
going to make a long bridge out of sticky notes. You can use the chairs, tables,
stacks of books to create a gap. Your challenge is to create a bridge that will hold
a certain amount of blocks. Build your bridge by connecting the sticky ends of the
notes across your gap and you can reinforce if needed.
4. Tell the students that they are going to work with a partner or in groups of three
5. Small Groups (30 Minutes)
 Remember to use these steps:
Step one: Plan and predict- How many sticky notes do you think you need?
What will make the bridge strong?
Step two: Investigate-Build your bridge and test it by putting a wooden block on
your bridge one at a time.
Step three: Collect Data-What happened when you put a wooden block on your
bridge. Why did that happen?
Step four: Improve-Make changes to your original design until it holds four or
more wooden blocks.
6. Allow students to walk around and see other students bridges and go back and
make changes if needed.

Assessment:
5-point rubric

5 point Worked great with partner, tested and

improved bridge to hold four+ blocks and
collaborated with other groups

4 point Worked well with partner, tested and

improved bridge to hold four+ blocks.

3 points Worked well with partner, created bridge

hold four blocks

2 points Did not work well with partner, did not

finish bridge, bridge did not hold four
blocks

1 point Did not work well with partner, did not

build bridge, bridge did not hold any
blocks