Grouping: Individual or pairs
Take-home: Tested bridge prototype
Key ideas: Material constraints, strength-to-material ratio, load path, failure analysis.
Start with: Compare a deep folded beam and a shallow beam made from equal paper.
Success check: Maximum supported mass across fixed span; note first failure location.
Try changing: Beam depth; truss pattern; reinforcement location; deck width.
Preparation: Prepare identical material packets and scoring sheet.
CNC preparation: Cut all strips to equal dimensions.
3D-print preparation: Print span fixtures if useful.
Lesson flow: Day 1: design/build
Day 2: load test + redesign
Video:
Paper Bridges STEM Activity
Safety and cleanup: Add mass with cup/tray rather than hands over structure.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/build-best-bridge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqYGVW2Eu6Y