Science · 25 minutes · 8–10 years
Build a paper bridge
Explore how shape changes paper’s strength.
All you need
Two equal books, two scrap sheets, empty plastic cup.
Grown-up, read this first
Build on the floor with a lightweight empty cup. Never stand on it or use heavy loads.
Adapt to your child’s needs and stop if uncomfortable.
Let’s give it a go
A question to take with you
Why keep the gap the same?
Talk it through or draw on paper. There is no answer box or personal information to submit.
Make it gentler
An adult folds while you compare.
Take it further
Try deeper folds, changing one thing at a time.