Paper Bridge Challenge

Design and build a bridge using only paper to see how much weight it can hold. Learn about structural engineering and how folding and layering materials makes them stronger.

Tools

• pennies (approx. 150 coins)

Materials

• printer paper (8.5 x 11 inch, 3 sheets)
• small toy figure (1)

Safety

• Adult supervision required for children under 5.
• Pennies are a choking hazard — keep away from children under 3.

Steps

1. Place two books on a flat surface a few inches apart to create a 'river' for your bridge to cross.
2. Take one sheet of paper and fold each long side toward the center to create a reinforced strip.
3. Fold down the front edge of the paper slightly so you can easily see and count the pennies you place on top.
4. Lay the folded paper across the books, ensuring it rests about one inch onto each book.
5. Carefully place pennies one by one onto the bridge until the paper bends or collapses. Record how many pennies it held.
6. Redesign your bridge by layering a second sheet of paper (folded the same way) underneath the first one.
7. Test the two-layer bridge by adding pennies one by one and record the new total.
8. Repeat the process with a third layer of folded paper to see if the bridge becomes even stronger.
9. Once you have built your strongest bridge, carefully place your toy figure on top to see if it can safely cross the river!