Kindergarten Structural Engineers...Building Bridges!
Central Lyon kindergarten students took the role of Structural Engineers and constructed bridges using gum drops and tooth picks. Mr. Pytleski led the students through pictures and activities on how to best build a bridge to support weight. As structural engineers, the students designed and build a 30-centimeter bridge. After designing and creating their bridges, the student groups were asked to test their structures. A pleasant surprise that some of the bridges could indeed support a small amount of weight.
The kindergarteners first started a "brainstorm" session where design ideas were shared. The next step allowed the students to build a first draft of prototype. The prototype was then tweaked, and small changes were made. It was very interesting to see how the students reacted to the task. They shared stories about bridges they have seen and rode on during family trips. Mr. Pytleski commented, "I love the expression and curiosity of these little tykes. STEAM at the kindergarten and first grade levels bring awareness to the ways Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math can all work together to complete tasks by people all over the world." Click below for a slideshow of pictures.
