Our Bridge Building Fun

The older two boys spent this morning making bridges so that they could enter the competition over on Science Sparks  I let Trystan and Luc decide what material’s they would like to use to make their bridges and let them come up with their own designs.

Both choice to use thin card, plastic drinks straws, lollipop sticks and sellotape to hold it all together.  I got them both to think about the different kinds of bridges they knew, transporter, suspension and arch, before they started making their bridges.

Trystan insisted he was okay and didn’t want me watching what he was doing so I left them too it and went to do some colouring with the little ones.  I could hear the older two chatting away while they worked, each helping the other when needed, which makes a change from the squabbling of late.  Fifteen minutes later Luc emerged and asked if I could cut some sellotape for them both but instructed me not to look at what they were doing!  Oh no, I dread being told that, it usually means they’ve been up to mischief!  I shouldn’t have worried as the kitchen table was covered in straws and lollipop sticks but they had been working hard on their bridges.  I cut them some sellotape and helped Trystan to stick it were he wanted by holding the bits in place for him, then I helped Luc do the same.  Having done this I was hurried out of the kitchen and Trystan headed up stairs to get some toy cars.

The objective to the competition was to show that your bridge could carry a load, which is what the car’s were for.  Shortly after both came into the sitting room to show me their bridges and asked me to take a photo while they put the car’s on.  I amazed at how different the two bridges were and how both boys had used the materials differently.  

So moment of truth, could they carry a load?  I got some dvd’s to suspend Trystan’s bridge between and then Trystan started adding cars.  I had to stop him adding them after 5 explaining that I thought he’d shown his bridge carried a load.  He was so pleased with himself. 

Trystan had made a suspension bridge, using the lollipop sticks to provide support and the straws to brace and support the bridge.  

Next up was Luc, he announced that he didn’t need the dvd’s for his bridge and proudly produced his bridge.  I was a bit dubious as to whether it would carry a load but I could see the idea behind it.  Luc added some cars and stood back, it worked.  Luc was so pleased, he turned to Trystan and said “see”!

Luc had used the straws to hold the weight of the bridge, he told me he would use this bridge if he needed to cross the sea or a deep river!  He used the lollipop sticks to provide extra support.

Both boys worked really hard on their bridges and had lots of fun in the process.  Trystan played with his bridge most of the day.  When dad of 3 got home this evening both boys excitedly demonstrated their bridges to him. 

Trystan has asked to make something else soon.  Watch this space to see what we make next.

Maybe you could have a go at making a bridge.  What will you use to make yours? Does it carry a load?
Happy building, I hope you have as much fun as the boys did.

5 thoughts on “Our Bridge Building Fun

  1. Sarahmumof3 says:

    great bridge building boys 🙂

  2. Brilliant! What ingenious boys you have! Thanks so much for joining in. They are both great and so different, it just shows what you can do with the same materials. xx

  3. welshmumof3 says:

    Their fab aren’t they 🙂

  4. Sarah says:

    I found your blog on blow your own blog horn, I’m sorry I missed the competition this looks great fun, your guys are fab engineers , really inspired to give this a go with my little Dude

    http://www.thefamilyfridgedoor.com

  5. welshmumof3 says:

    Hi Sarah, thankyou, the boys are still playing with their bridges and they are still in one piece amazingly 🙂

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