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Engineering · Grades 6–8

Paper Bridge Fair Test

How does the shape of a paper bridge affect the load it can hold?

The lesson

What students do

A relief team needs a light bridge. Compare paper shapes while keeping the span, paper, and test method the same.

  1. Place two books 15 centimeters apart.
  2. Lay one sheet of paper across the gap.
  3. Add coins one at a time until the bridge bends or falls.
  4. Repeat three times, then test a folded paper bridge the same way.

For teachers

Standards connections

This short investigation supports parts of these standards. It does not cover the full standard by itself.

MS-ETS1-2Compare bridge designs using the same test.

MS-ETS1-3Use test results to compare design features.

PracticeAnalyze and interpret test results.

Big ideaStructure and function

Included results

Where the results came from

Classroom model results included with ConductClass

These are model results, not published research or student records.

Science source: NGSS Middle School Engineering Design

Included

Ready for one class period.

Student instructions Included results Chart choices and calculations Teacher notes and review guide

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