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Workshop

Bridge Building Challenge

Teams of students use K'Nex to learn the concepts of bridge design. They then use their knowledge to design and model their own solution to a set problem.

Bridge Building Challenge

Small teams of students use K'Nex kit to explore a range of engineering bridge designs: Arch, Cable Stayed, Cantilever, Suspension and Truss. They build some examples from instructions before being set a problem to solve as a team.

Using their knowledge and teamwork skills students will be given the task to design and model their own bridge to span a specified distance, support the required weight and be cost efficient.

K'Nex is a creative construction kit that enables students to design, build and test their models.

Throughout, the trainer will link activities to job roles such as civil engineer, quantity surveyor, finance controller.

Students will also develop their essential skills using the SkillsBuilder partnership framework.

Logistics

Each session is a minimum of 1.5 hours, the provider can be flexible in providing back-to-back sessions across the school day delivering to different class groups.

150 student capacity.

Cost

State Primary & SEN schools: £500 for a full day, or £275 for a half day

Independent Schools: £600 for a full day, £330 for a half day

Bookings on 2 consecutive days 10% discount, 3 or more bookings made in same enquiry 20% discount

On some occasions the provider may be able to fund part or all of the workshop cost using donations from generous supporters.

The provider operates in the Surrey region, so mileage may be charged for schools further afield.



 

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Learning what the engineering workplace is like

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

  • Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Topics

  • Materials
  • Forces
  • Structures

Working scientifically

Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills. This experience builds the following enquiry skills:

  • Asking questions
  • Making predictions
  • Setting up tests
  • Observing and measuring
  • Recording data
  • Interpreting and communicating results
  • Evaluating

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Aiming high - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.

  • Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.

  • Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.

  • Staying positive - the ability to use tactics to overcome setbacks and achieve goals.

  • Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.

Good for a career in...

  • Construction
  • Design
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