Children absolutely love a challenge. Just using the word can get them super excited to dive right in to any learning experience you set up for them. This activity from the Kindergarten at Home program Dinosaur theme unit is no different.
Your child will have an absolute blast from this stem challenge for kindergarten for the bridge building challenge.
Children build all the time using traditional tools like blocks or LEGO. This is an activity that pushes your little one a little beyond just building what they would like or following simple instructions and encourages them to use their building knowledge to create something new.
As usual in our program, we love to keep things simple and super easy. All you need for this activity is some popsicle sticks, clothespins, at least 3 toy dinosaurs (or any toy) from your local dollar store and if you hit your recycle box, you will be able to surely find several toilet paper rolls. That’s it! You don’t need to invest in anything super expensive to do this stem activity.
This stem challenge for kindergarten is an activity that even allows your little one to get creative too as they build their bridge. They can start this activity by decorating the popsicle sticks and clothespins by colouring them with markers. They can have fun and enjoy this part for as long as they would like, keeping them busy and engaged for a little longer.
Once they are satisfied with their works of art, it is time to put them to the challenge. Enjoy setting the stage and letting them know that you need their help. Getting children to see that you appreciate their help and need them does a great deal for a child’s self-esteem and definitely boosts their self-confidence.
Give them the toilet paper rolls, clothespins and popsicle sticks, have your little embark on this stem challenge for kindergarten! This bridge building challenge is to create a bridge that can hold 3 little toy dinosaurs (or any small little toys).
They can problem solve in a variety of different ways until they discover the best one for the job. Will they need more popsicle sticks? How many?
Are they going to spread them out? Have them test out each creation they have engineered before declaring they are done. If the three toy dinosaurs can stand on the bridge without falling then they have successfully completed the challenge. If not, they can attempt to create different variations. The excitement and learning will come from discovering what works and what doesn’t in this stem challenge for kindergarten. I just love this bridge building challenge for kids!
Creating this bridge for the little dinosaurs will work on a multitude of learning goals in one activity. As mentioned earlier, it works on problem solving skills, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and STEM skills. In addition to all those important skills, this will surely strengthen and prepare those little hands for handwriting.
As an extension of this activity, they can try different toys and perhaps even use different items to create different bridges. The possibilities are endless as they apply their learning in other contexts. This is a fun activity that teaches children a great deal, works on so many skills, is inexpensive to put together, and will keep them engaged and entertained for a long time.
You will be amazed at what they discover!
If you like this activity, you will love Kindergarten at Home! See how ONE HOUR, 3 days a week, can cover all core skills and give your child a rock solid foundation in numeracy, literacy, problem solving, critical thinking, and emotional health. Check it out right here: Kindergarten at Home
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