Mini Bridge Build-Off

Innovation Hour

Materials Needed (per 10 campers):

  • Popsicle sticks

  • Straws

  • White glue

  • Tape (optional for temporary support)

  • Small weights or coins for testing strength

  • Ruler or measuring tape

  • Timer

  • Paper and pencils (optional for sketching initial ideas)

Objective: Campers will collaborate to design and construct bridges using popsicle sticks, glue, and straws, encouraging creative problem-solving, teamwork, and engineering skills.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain the goal: designing and building a strong, stable, and creative bridge.

  • Discuss basic structural concepts like support, strength, and stability.

  • Show the distance the bridge will need to span (between 2 tables or lego bricks

2. Demonstration & Planning (5 minutes)

  • Demonstrate how to safely use glue and effectively combine popsicle sticks and straws.

  • Allow teams a few minutes to brainstorm and sketch their bridge designs.

3. Bridge Building (25 minutes)

  • Distribute materials and start the timer.

  • Campers work together in teams to construct their bridges.

  • Counselors circulate to encourage collaboration, offer constructive feedback, and ensure safe glue usage.

4. Testing & Sharing (10 minutes) (YOU MAY NEED TO COME BACK TO THIS LATER IN THE DAY IF THE GLUE ISN’T DRY)

  • After construction, test each bridge's strength by gently adding small weights or coins until the bridge reaches its limit.

  • Teams present their bridges, explaining design choices, successes, and challenges.

5. Clean Up (5 minutes)

  • Collect leftover materials and dispose of unusable items.

  • Tidy the workspace thoroughly.

Assessment:

  • Observe camper collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.

  • Hold a brief discussion on effective designs, what was learned, and improvements for future bridge-building activities.