This engaging resource pack combines our popular STEM Journal with hands-on investigations and design challenges that explore the engineering and history of bridges. Perfect for Key Stage 2 learners, children will investigate bridge structures, test designs, and build their own bridges while learning about famous engineers and documenting their STEM journey in their journal.
Included Resources +
This pack includes eight activity sheets with accompanying lesson plans and a STEM Journal for recording bridge investigations, designs, and engineering discoveries.
• STEM Journal — interactive notebook for recording bridge investigations, designs, and engineering discoveries
• Classifying And Comparing Bridges — explore different bridge types and their unique features
• Local Bridges — investigate bridges in your local area and their purposes
• Investigating Bridge Shapes — test which shapes make the strongest bridges
• Investigating Suspension Bridges — discover how suspension bridges work and what makes them strong
• Spaghetti and Marshmallow Bridge — fun engineering challenge to build and test bridge strength
• Design And Build A Bridge — apply learning to create an original bridge design
• Isambard Kingdom Brunel Timeline — learn about the famous Victorian engineer and his achievements
Key Details +
• Year Group: KS2 (ages 7–11)
• Key Stage: KS2
• Subject: Design & Technology
• Resource Type: Activity Sheets + Lesson Plans + STEM Journal
• Format: Instant PDF Download
• Number of Activities: 8
Curriculum Alignment +
Aligned to the KS2 Design & Technology National Curriculum. Covers structures — designing and making functional structures, investigating and analysing existing bridges, applying understanding of how shapes and materials affect strength and stability, and evaluating and improving designs through iterative testing. Integrates with KS2 History (Isambard Kingdom Brunel — a significant Victorian engineer), Geography (Local Bridges — human geography and infrastructure), Science (Year 4 — forces and how they affect structures), and Maths (Year 3 — measuring and data recording).
Teaching Tips +
Spaghetti and Marshmallow Bridge is the standout challenge — run it as a timed competition with teams building the longest span that can hold the most weight. It never fails to generate excitement and genuine engineering thinking. Investigating Bridge Shapes works brilliantly as a fair test using strips of card folded into different cross-sections (flat, triangular, curved) and stacking weights on top — children are always surprised by how much stronger a triangular beam is. Design And Build A Bridge works best as a two-session project: one session for design and planning in the STEM Journal, a second for building and testing. Isambard Kingdom Brunel Timeline pairs naturally with a virtual visit to the Clifton Suspension Bridge or SS Great Britain for real-world context.
