Understand the need
First define how far the bridge must span and how much it must hold.
Engineering
Young Inventors Workshop
Invention Workshop
YOUR FIRST FOUR-SESSION UNIT
Can paper become a bridge?
Children turn paper into a structure while moving through a complete engineering cycle: imagine, build, test, and improve.
- Ages
- 7–10
- Format
- 4 sessions · Project-based
- Outcome
- Paper bridge model
ASK · TEST · EXPLAINNOT JUST THE ANSWER
What will children take with them?
Build a prototype
Turn a sketch into a paper bridge that can be tested.
Improve through iteration
Use failure as evidence to make the structure more stable.
ONE QUESTION · FOUR STEPS
One question, four deeper steps
Every session leaves visible progress and opens a new question for the next attempt.
What problem must the bridge solve?
Explore structures and constraints, then set a design goal.
Build the first paper bridge
Try folding, rolling, and joining paper.
Test, then rebuild
Add weight gradually and record where change begins.
Explain the design
Complete an improved version and present the key choices.
MAKE
SOMETHING
REAL.
SOMETHING
REAL.
THE FINAL PROJECT
A load-bearing paper bridge prototype
Children present their design with test data and structural sketches, including one important improvement.
Materials we’ll use
Card, paper strips, tape, block weights, ruler, test record
READY FOR THE FIRST TRY?