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Bridge Building Challenge

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

Bridge Building Challenge

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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 Skills Builder partnership framework.

Logistics

Each session is around 90 minutes, the provider can be flexible in providing back-to-back sessions across the school day delivering to different class groups.

In Year 7 they may work with larger groups over longer time period with volunteers from the engineering industry.

180 student capacity (3 x 60 students).

Cost

State Secondary schools: £800 for a full day, or £480 for a half day

Independent Schools: £950 for a full day, £570 for a half day

SEN schools may eligible for the Primary rate due to reduced numbers.

Bookings on 2 consecutive days, or 3 or more bookings made in same enquiry: 10% 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 and other expenses 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

Subjects and topics

    • Design and Technology
    • Engineering
    • Maths
    • Physics
    • Structures, construction and civil engineering

Gatsby benchmarks

The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:

  • Learning from career and labour market information
  • Linking curriculum learning to careers

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.

What the teachers say

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