My oldest son's Pre-K Science Fair was today! We are so excited to share what we have been learning about. His project was inspired by a question that he asked on our way to our favorite place, the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Since we have to cross several bridges to get there (Bay Bridge, Golden Gate, Richmond Bridge) he asked "How are bridges built in the water?" That simple question led to so much investigating and a new found fascination with bridges.
First we looked at pictures and videos of bridges around the world. Next we read all the books about bridges and took a look at some of the bridges we have in our train sets. Finally, since we live in the Bay Area we visited some bridges (Golden Gate, Bay Bridge, Park Street Bridge, & High Street)! After doing our research we set out to build a bridge.
We used our Picasso Tile sets we already have and made a total of three designs. The third design worked out best because it had similar design components that we found in our research from books, videos, pictures, and visiting the sites. Once the bridge was complete, we tested it 's strength out by placing cars driving on it, poured water around it in our tuff tray, and had boats pass through it.
1st & 2nd Attempt
3rd Attempt
Finally time to add water!
From his curiosity of how bridges are built in water, we both learned a lot together.
"There is frequently more to be learned from the unexpected questions of a child than the discourses of man. "– John Locke.