Educational Craft Ideas for Kids

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

25 Jan 2009 08:03 PM

Growing up, whenever my brothers and I would complain about being bored my parents would suggest building a bridge to China... or California, or Costa Rica. Maybe it was because we lived in Hawaii, and constructing a bridge anywhere over the Pacific was not such a bad idea.

Fast forward a few decades... I'm a parent living in the Midwest and I have yet to use the "build a bridge" line on my own daughter. However, when the time comes to make the suggestion I plan to make it an educational experience.

Bridge building can be a terrific learning activity. Whether you build a bridge from two chairs and some books or you follow the directions below to make a light-frame bridge that can withstand the weight of a small child, focus on making the project an educational one for you and your child.

BASIC BRIDGE

Materials:

Toothpicks or straws

Gumdrops or mini-marshmallows

Pencil

Two chairs

A book or magazine

Directions:

Before you get building have your kids examine the construction of items in and around your home. Have them note the designs of your kitchen table, dining-room chairs, the roof, the mailbox, etc.

Next, have them build a few geometric shapes out of toothpicks and gumdrops and test them for strength. If you have younger children, show them that the triangle is the strongest shape --all three of its sides work together to support the weight you place on it.

With older children use graph paper to sketch a bridge design. Otherwise, have them use their materials to build a bridge using the trail and error method.

Once the bridge is complete put it to the test. Place it between two chairs and place a magazine on top. If the bridge can hold the magazine, move on to books, then heavier items.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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