Bridges and buildings must be made of strong materials and constructed intelligently. Some shapes create sturdier structures than others. These simple investigations are great for learning about strong forms and stable structures in a fun and practical way.
A structure is a building made up of several different parts.
Research on stable structures and buildings for children
Most of the activities below can be adapted to suit a variety of ages. Younger children will need more guidance and supervision than older children, who may approach the activity as a more open-ended STEM challenge.
1. Build a marshmallow and spaghetti structure.
TO Marshmallow and spaghetti structure It's a fun (and sticky) way to learn about stable structures. Experiment with squares and triangles on the tower to find out which building is the sturdiest.
In the image below you can see that we had to place the spaghetti diagonally on the squares to prevent them from falling.
We have also created a Easter/Spring Toothpick Tower Version of this activity using clay and toothpicks to build towers for mini chicks.
2. Build an arch out of sugar cubes.
TO sugar cube arch is another messy way to learn about solid shapes. You can see that we shaped the cubes so that they fit together perfectly.
3. Strong columns
Discover why columns are often used to support buildings with ease. Greek Architecture STEM ChallengeThe activity involves standing on paper cups, so it will keep the most reluctant engineer entertained and even surprised.
4. Strong forms
This simple science activity uses columns of paper folded into different shapes to discover Which form is the strongest?.
Simply create the columns and stack the books on top of them until they collapse. A column with a particular shape should be much sturdier than the others.
5. How strong is an eggshell?
Discover Why do domes have such a strong shape? Using half eggshells! It can be a little tricky to make the domes, but it's worth the effort!
6. Gingerbread structures
Design, Build and test structures made from gingerbread. to find out which sticky substances hold them together best.
7. Paper Arch STEM Challenge
This activity uses paper between books to test a flat surface and arch bridge to determine which can bear the greatest load.
8. Edible Bases – Earthquake STEM Challenge
This is delicious earthquake investigation Use different edible bases (jelly, brownie, and flapjack) to find out which one best holds a toothpick tower during a simulated earthquake.
9. STEM Candy House Challenge
This Candy House STEM Challenge It's delicious and a great learning activity too! Use candy to build a house and try out different sticky materials to hold it together.
More structure building and stability activities for kids.
Little Bins for Little Hands has a brilliant Paper Cup Building Activity.
Can you design an activity to find out which materials are the most flexible?
Raising Lifelong Learners has brilliant potential mini wrecking ball challenge.
For children in the early years, kindergarten and preschool, take a look at my Scientific ideas for a construction theme mail.
Last updated on May 11, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
