Other
Designing Bridges
Lower Elementary
Motion & Stability
In Classrooms
Students collect data about three bridge structures and engineer their own bridges.
unit Overview
Students use the Engineering Design Process to design a bridge that is strong and stable. They test different bridge types and explore the pushing and pulling forces that act on structures.
- 5 lessons (8–9 class sessions)
Standards Alignment
We’ve developed each EiE unit with careful attention to educational standards in both science and technology/engineering.
unit Resources
Digital Resources (FREE)
YES provides these materials free of charge! Use the link below to download resources from our Google Drive.
Download ResourcesPurchase Materials
Educator Guide Pack -
$69
- Full-color print educator guide, plus multiple sets of heavy-duty reusable color-print resources (ex. vocabulary cards, materials glossaries, station signs, and student instructions) for the class.
Materials Kit -
$309
- Hands-on materials to support 30 learners.
Materials Refill Kit -
$99
- Replenishes the consumable items from the Materials Kit.
Unit Map
Students explore the concepts of engineering and technology. (30–40 min.)
The class reads a storybook in which a boy named Javier living in Texas explores the field of Civil Engineering in order to build a stronger bridge to his backyard fort. (90–120 min., 2–3 sessions)
Students carry out investigations to observe how forces affect the stability and function of structures. (55–60 min.)
Students create models of three bridge structures and collect data to determine the properties of each. (95–110 min., 2 sessions)
Students follow the steps of the Engineering Design Process to imagine, plan, create, test, and then improve their own bridge designs. (100–120 min., 2 sessions)
Teacher Preparation Videos
View the full unit playlist on YouTube
How to Make a Model One-Story & Tower Structure
How to Mark the Master Copy
How to Make Arch, Beam, & Deep Beam Bridges
