Big Kids Club / Paddle Pop Stick Engineering
Paddle Pop Stick Engineering
Children design and build bridges, boxes and catapults from paddle pop sticks. Test how strong or far their creations go.
How to run it
- Set a challenge such as a bridge that holds a cup of coins.
- Children sketch a design first.
- Build using PVA glue or low-temperature glue guns at a supervised station.
- Test each build and talk about what made it strong.
You will need
- paddle pop sticks
- PVA glue
- low-temperature glue guns
- rubber bands
- coins or weights
Make it easier or harderUse PVA only and a simple box challenge for younger children; older children can build catapults and measure distance.
SafetyUse low-temperature glue guns at a supervised station only; catapults fire soft items such as pompoms, never at people.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4Children design, test and improve structures, building confidence as learners.
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