Math and science
Shape Detective
Count the circles, triangles and rectangles hiding in a robot, then build your own character from shapes.
Thinking sheet · Math and science
Paper Bridge Challenge
Build a bridge from one sheet of paper. Predict how many coins it will hold, test it and improve it.
- Grades
- 2–5
- Time
- about 40 minutes
- Topic
- Math and science
- Kids practice
- engineering design, predicting and testing, improving a design
What kids do
“One sheet of paper, two books, a gap. How strong can your bridge be?”
- Plan: draw my bridge design
- Version 2: my improved design
- Test results
- What made it stronger?
How to run it
- Rules: one sheet of paper, a 6-inch gap between books, no tape (or a little tape).
- Folding, rolling and pleating change everything.
- Test with pennies or counters.
Talk about it
- Which shape held the most?
- Why did folding help?
- Where do you see these shapes in real bridges?
Take it further
Try a longer gap with the best design.
Pairs well with
Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.
More thinking sheets
Math and science
Home Sweet Habitat
Draw an animal in its habitat and label the four things it needs: food, water, shelter and space.
Math and science
Measure a Monster
Draw a monster on squared paper, then count how tall and wide it is and how many squares it covers.
Math and science
Class Survey Graph
Ask your classmates a question, tally the answers and draw a bar graph of the results.
Free for teachers
Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit
12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.