Physical Science · Forces and Design
Bridge Engineering: Designing for a Load
Build, test, and improve small bridge prototypes while controlling span, materials, and load placement so failure points become useful engineering evidence.
Lesson plan
Bridge Engineering: Designing for a Load
A step-by-step guide to help you teach this lesson.
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Lesson overview
What students will learn
- I can identify the load, supports, and span in a bridge model.
- I can carry out a fair bridge test by controlling important variables.
Key science ideas
- A bridge carries loads across a span to its supports.
- Shape and connections can change how a structure resists bending or twisting.
- A fair comparison keeps the span, material amount, load type, and load placement consistent while changing one design feature.
Lesson at a glance
- Grade 3
- 50 min
- ~15 min prep
- 3-5-ETS1-3
- 7 materials
What’s included
- Lesson Plan
- Investigation
- Teacher Slides
- Printable Worksheet
- Teacher Answer Key
- Interactive Activity
- Vocabulary