How strong are Popsicle sticks?

POPSICLE BRIDGES SPAN THE DISTANCE BETWEEN LEARNING AND FUN

Lakeshore kids were paired up to work together and construct a bridge out of 200 Popsicle sticks. They were graded on how much weight their bridge could hold, the aesthetics of the bridge, and the number of Popsicle sticks used. After the bridges were tested, the groups reflected on their experience and what they would have done differently if they did the project again.

The goals of this activity were to have the kids develop an understanding of planning, construction, problem solving, teamwork, and bridge structure.

Austin Elliott, Lakeshore Outdoor Experiential Educator

Northwest Passage teachers and staff are dedicated the education of our kids. They choose to use many different kinds of activities to teach many different subjects. Building bridges from Popsicle sticks teaches geometry and measurement through hands-on work instead of a text book, along with planning and construction. Working in teams teaches the kids best practices for relationship building through teamwork and problem solving. Reflections help the kids to think things through better in the future. Looking at the strength of objects is also a reminder of how strong they are.