3rd Grade Art & Science Projects — The Inventor's Workshop — Building and Discovering
Students will design and build bridges from simple materials, learning about structural strength and how God gives us wisdom to solve problems.
Bridges are structures that help us cross over rivers, valleys, and roads. People have been building bridges for thousands of years using the engineering principles God placed in nature.
There are several types of bridges. A beam bridge is the simplest — it is a flat surface resting on supports. An arch bridge uses a curved shape to spread weight evenly. A truss bridge uses triangles for extra strength.
Triangles are the strongest shape in building because they do not collapse under pressure like squares and rectangles can. Engineers use triangles in many structures, from bridges to buildings to towers.
When we build and create, we are using the minds God gave us to solve problems and help others. Just as God is the master builder of all creation, He calls us to use wisdom and understanding in everything we make.
Build three bridges using craft sticks, glue, and string: a beam bridge, an arch bridge, and a truss bridge with triangle supports. Test each bridge by placing pennies on top to see which holds the most weight.