The children in School-Age group 3 are always searching for innovative ways to expand on their learning and programming. One afternoon, Ella asked if the group would be able to start a bridge competition. With excitement, the entire group agreed that this would be an exciting opportunity to show off their engineering skills. They agreed that they had to be able to hold cars on them, and be a certain length in order for the bridge to be considered in the competition.
Right away, the children got together in groups to come up with their designs and plans on how to construct them. Conversation and problem solving were heard throughout the program room. A key element of conversation surrounded the materials in which they would use. Popsicle sticks, cardboard, hot glue and even various types of paper would serve as key as they made their bridges sturdy yet effective at holding the materials.
Zain, Wyatt and Arran started off by making 12 triangles from Popsicle sticks to build the sides of the bridges. Some of the other children saw their idea and incorporated the same concept on theirs.
Grace built her bridge, and had fun painting and designing flowers, expressing her creativity and then further decided to add another level on top of her bridge.
This activity enhanced further problem solving skills, sparked their imagination and expression in designs of the bridge, and also built in team work and communication amongst their peers.
