Clay Bridges

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In this activity, learners make bridges using an oil-based modeling clay (plasticene). The instructions include discussion questions for both before and after bridge building. Key learning ideas are that bridges must support their own weight as well as any additional forces, and longer structures can become unstable at the ends. An extension is to use more or less clay and observe the effects.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Model
Language:
English, French, Italian

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 8 oz. plasticene (modeling clay)
  • Yardstick or meterstick

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
    • Technology
      • Construction
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Science After School Consumer's Guide

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • Unisys