Challenge 1: Bring Home the Bacon
2 2
grade grade
© 2019 Region 4 Education Service Center107
STEMulating Design Challenges in Science, Grades K–2
Teacher Notes Teacher Notes
Key Question
What can we do to make travel over the river quick
and safe?
Student teams will use their knowledge of the physical properties of
materials (TEKS K.5A and 1.5A) and what they learn through research
about bridges to design and build a bridge that meets the criteria.
Second grade students may have limited experiences and knowledge of
bridges. They may believe that bridges are not flexible and do not move
when outside forces act on them. Students may think that simply placing
a flat structure between two supports will provide a sufficient bridge.
Through research, students may learn that bridges balance forces to hold up
a load between supports. Forces that act on bridges are called compression
(push or squeeze, inward) and tension (pull or stretch, outward) forces.
Engineers build bridges. Civil engineers build structures, such as bridges
and buildings, and ensure they are safe and stable. They also work with other
engineers and architects to make sure the structures they create are pleasing
to the eye and do not disrupt or damage the area in which they are built.
Challenge 1: Bring Home the Bacon
Grade Grade 2 2
Problem
Baconville is across the river from Nobacon. For
years, the citizens of Nobacon have crossed a wide,
deep river with dangerously strong currents, and
sometimes rising water, by boat to bring home the
bacon. They are looking for a faster and safer way
to bring larger amounts of bacon to their town.
Baconville has decided to help meet their needs by
building a bridge that trucks can safely drive across
to deliver bacon.
Design Challenge
Help bring bacon to Nobacon! As a team of civil
engineers, design and build a bridge that spans
at least 25 cm and will support the greatest load
possible. Your team should be prepared to justify
and explain your design and why you chose certain
materials.
2 2
grade grade
© 2019 Region 4 Education Service Center107
STEMulating Design Challenges in Science, Grades K–2
Teacher Notes Teacher Notes
Key Question
What can we do to make travel over the river quick
and safe?
Student teams will use their knowledge of the physical properties of
materials (TEKS K.5A and 1.5A) and what they learn through research
about bridges to design and build a bridge that meets the criteria.
Second grade students may have limited experiences and knowledge of
bridges. They may believe that bridges are not flexible and do not move
when outside forces act on them. Students may think that simply placing
a flat structure between two supports will provide a sufficient bridge.
Through research, students may learn that bridges balance forces to hold up
a load between supports. Forces that act on bridges are called compression
(push or squeeze, inward) and tension (pull or stretch, outward) forces.
Engineers build bridges. Civil engineers build structures, such as bridges
and buildings, and ensure they are safe and stable. They also work with other
engineers and architects to make sure the structures they create are pleasing
to the eye and do not disrupt or damage the area in which they are built.
Challenge 1: Bring Home the Bacon
Grade Grade 2 2
Problem
Baconville is across the river from Nobacon. For
years, the citizens of Nobacon have crossed a wide,
deep river with dangerously strong currents, and
sometimes rising water, by boat to bring home the
bacon. They are looking for a faster and safer way
to bring larger amounts of bacon to their town.
Baconville has decided to help meet their needs by
building a bridge that trucks can safely drive across
to deliver bacon.
Design Challenge
Help bring bacon to Nobacon! As a team of civil
engineers, design and build a bridge that spans
at least 25 cm and will support the greatest load
possible. Your team should be prepared to justify
and explain your design and why you chose certain
materials.
