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Educational Craft Ideas for Kids

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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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. She spent the next ten years as a television anchor and reporter at various stations throughout the country (from the CBS affiliate in Honolulu to the NBC affiliate in Green Bay). She has won numerous honors including an Emmy Award and multiple Edward R. Murrow awards honoring outstanding achievements in broadcast journalism. In addition, she has received awards from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for her reports on air travel and the Wisconsin Education Association Council for her stories on education. Michele has since left television to concentrate on being a mom and freelance writer.