STEMladder Sessions: Mini Bridge Challenge

This program is best for rising 3rd to rising 6th graders (~ages 8-11). Registration recommended to guarantee a spot, but walk-ins welcome if we have enough materials. Test your engineering know-how with the STEMladder Mini Bridge Challenge! Join us for a brief lesson on what makes for strong bridges, then try your hand at building a bridge. We'll test the bridges to see which is the strongest using library books as weights! Small prizes for all participants, but we pick prizes in order of whose bridge was the strongest! Bridge Challenge Rules: Can build a bridge individually or in groups of up to 4 children, with pairs and groups encouraged due to the time limit (~60 minutes to build). Caregivers can be present and counsel/coach, but cannot help with the construction.Bridge must be at least 12" long, and cannot be more than 24" longBridge will be suspended over an 8" gap between two tables for testingBridge must have a flat surface which the weights can be placed uponBooks from the library collection will be used to test the bridgesBridge can only be constructed of: popsicle sticks, glue, tape, paper, rubber bands, and stringBridge will be tested to breaking pointBridges must include one construction element explained in the mini lesson Let's learn about engineering, construction, and build bridges with STEMladder! STEMLadder is a volunteer- and student-led initiative providing hands-on insight into STEM fields to students looking to expand their interest in different STEM subjects. Each session will include an interactive lesson presented by well-versed student volunteer tutors and be accompanied by an immersive activity or experiment. By inspiring creativity and problem solving through the application of learned ideas, we aim to provide a memorable lesson of each core concept with thoughtful takeaways. Free, with limited capacity. Please register to reserve a spot and help us bring adequate materials (materials provided). We recommend including an email address when you register in order to receive communications about this program. Walk-ins are welcome if there is room and enough materials.ADA Accommodation Requests