oshc activities
At the Building Site / Block and Plank Bridges

Block and Plank Bridges

Children build bridges from blocks and planks and test how much weight they hold, exploring strength and design.

How to run it

  1. Set up two block towers as bridge supports.
  2. Children lay planks across and test the bridge with toy cars.
  3. Add weight gradually to test strength.
  4. Try different designs, like adding supports underneath.
  5. Talk about which design worked best and why.

You will need

  • wooden blocks
  • planks or rulers
  • toy cars
  • small weights
Make it easier or harderYounger children can build freely; older children can build to a set span or load.
SafetyKeep heavy blocks low to avoid falling on feet.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4Children test and refine structures, developing engineering thinking.

Fits these theme days

At the Building SiteScience WeekInventors DayPlanes, Trains and AutomobilesBrick Building Day

More like this

After School Quick STEM · Science Week · Science Day +3

Cup Tower Book Challenge

Children engineer a tower from cups and card strong enough to hold a book, testing ideas about balance, load and stable bases.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6After School Quick STEM · Science Week · Science Day +2

Twisted Paper Loop Magic

Children make a twisted paper loop, predict what will happen when they cut it, then discover the surprising one-sided shape that results.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6After School Quick STEM · Science Week · Science Day +3

Spaghetti and Tape Tower

Small teams build the tallest free-standing tower they can from dry spaghetti and tape, learning about triangles, bracing and teamwork.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6Ancient Egypt · Science Week · Science Day +2

Salt Mummy Apple Experiment

Children preserve apple slices in salt and compare them with uncovered slices over several days, discovering how drying helped ancient mummification.

IndoorCalmSome prepYears 4 to 6