K2L8 Strongest Bridge

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

Grade: K2

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Learning Objectives

1. Identify how changing shapes affects strength
2. Test different bridge surface shapes to find strongest
3. Build a bridge using the strongest shape discovered

Materials Needed:

- Paper sheets (8.5" x 11") - 3 per child
- Two blocks per child (for gap)
- Pennies/plastic coins for weights
- Recording sheets with pictures
- Small toy cars
- Rulers for measuring
- Chart to record results
- Markers for each child
- Safety mats
- "Bridge Expert" stickers
- Timer

Lesson Procedure

**3 mins - Welcome Time**
• Lead "Hello Song"
• Show paper bridge demo
• Fold paper together
• Ask "Will it hold?"

**7 mins - Discovery Chat: Strong Shapes**
• Show different shapes:
- Flat paper
- Folded paper
- Rolled paper
• Demonstrate each shape
• Introduce vocabulary: flat, fold, roll, strong
• Ask predictions

**15 mins - Hands-On Challenge 1: Flat Paper Test**
• Give each child:
- One paper sheet
- Two blocks (gap)
- Testing coins
• Together:
- Place flat paper
- Add coins one by one
- Count coins before paper bends
- Record number on chart
- Draw simple picture

**15 mins - Hands-On Challenge 2: Shape Testing**
• Each child tries different folds:
- Roll paper into tube
- Fold zigzag (accordion)
- Fold sides up (like U shape)
• For each shape:

- Test with coins
- Count maximum coins
- Record numbers
- Mark strongest shape

**10 mins - Hands-On Challenge 3: Final Bridge**
• Using strongest shape:
- Make new bridge
- Test with toy car
- Add coins
- Compare with first test
- Celebrate improvements

**5 mins - Clean Up**
• Collect coins
• Sort papers
• Clean workspace
• Take photos of strongest bridges

**2 mins - Wrap-Up**
• Show best design
• Give expert stickers
• Lead "Goodbye Song"

Reference

For better understanding of forest animal homes and to enrich your teaching preparation, please watch these reference videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guiPKY9PINg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keM4UJ4eFfo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE5QlYE8oYY

https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub_brid_lesson01_activity2

https://www.lceted.com/2021/05/bridges-and-their-types-components-span.html

Important:
• These videos are for teacher reference only and should not be shown directly to students
• Instead, extract key concepts and adapt them to Kindergarten level using:
•   Simple vocabulary
•   Clear, brief explanations
•   Age-appropriate examples
• Use the provided lesson PowerPoint images to support your teaching
• Focus on interactive demonstration and hands-on activities rather than passive viewing
• Keep explanations concrete and relatable to young learners' experiences

PowerPoint Presentation

**Slide 1: Title**
- Title (60): "Paper Bridge Challenge!"
- Visuals: Paper bridge holding toys
- Text: "How strong can paper be?"

**Slide 2: Different Shapes**
- Title (48): "Paper Can Be Strong!"
- Visuals:
• Flat paper
• Folded paper
• Rolled paper
- Text: "What shape is strongest?"

**Slide 3: Our Tools**
- Title (48): "What We Need"
- Visuals:
• Paper sheet
• Two blocks
• Coins for testing
• Recording sheet
- Text: "Let's get ready"

**Slide 4: First Test - Flat**
- Title (48): "Test 1: Flat Paper"
- Visuals:
• Put blocks (show gap)
• Place flat paper
• Add coins one by one
• Paper bending
- Text: "Count the coins!"

**Slide 5: Record First Test**
- Title (48): "Write It Down"
- Visuals:
• Recording sheet
• Number of coins
• Simple drawing
• Check mark
- Text: "Remember your number"

**Slide 6: Rolling Paper**
- Title (48): "Test 2: Roll Like a Tube"
- Visuals:
• Step 1: Start rolling
• Step 2: Keep tight
• Step 3: Place on blocks
• Step 4: Test with coins
- Text: "Roll it tight!"

**Slide 7: Zigzag Fold**
- Title (48): "Test 3: Zigzag Paper"
- Visuals:
• Step 1: First fold
• Step 2: Back and forth
• Step 3: Place on blocks
• Step 4: Test with coins
- Text: "Fold like a fan!"

**Slide 8: U-Shape Fold**
- Title (48): "Test 4: U-Shape Paper"
- Visuals:
• Step 1: Fold sides up
• Step 2: Make U shape
• Step 3: Place on blocks
• Step 4: Test with coins
- Text: "Fold the sides!"

**Slide 9: Compare Results**
- Title (48): "Which is Strongest?"
- Visuals:
• Chart showing:
- Flat shape
- Roll shape
- Zigzag shape
- U-shape
• Coin numbers
- Text: "Count and compare"

**Slide 10: Best Shape Wins**
- Title (48): "The Winner Is..."
- Visuals:
• Strongest shape
• Most coins held
• Success stars
- Text: "Our strongest shape!"

**Slide 11: Final Bridge**
- Title (48): "Build the Best Bridge"
- Visuals:
• Use winning shape
• Test with toy car
• Add coins
• Show success
- Text: "Make it strong!"