BusyBeesThe paper bridge challenge for kids
Can a bridge made of paper hold a pair of socks? Build it, test it and make it stronger.
- From age 7
- 25 min
- Indoors
- Thinking
- No prep
You need
- Paper
- Tape
- Two low piles of books
- A rolled pair of socks
The steps
-
Make two low piles of books on the floor, about two hand widths apart.
-
Lay one flat sheet of paper across the gap and test it with the rolled socks.
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Now make the paper stronger: fold it into a zigzag, roll it into tubes, or give it sides.
-
Test each bridge and write down what it held.
-
Move the piles further apart and try again.
Keep an eye on
Build on the floor and keep the piles of books low, so nothing heavy can fall on toes.
To keep it going
Set a limit: only three sheets of paper and one arm's length of tape.
At a glance
- From age
- 7
- How long
- About 25 minutes
- With you
- They can play alone for a few minutes.
- In the app's words
- Good for testing ideas and trying again
A grown-up is always responsible for safety and supervises play. You know your child, so you have the last word on what suits them.