STEM Challenge: The Brooklyn Bridge

In this 60 minute class students will learn about the historic day in 1884 when 21 elephants crossed the Brooklyn Bridge to prove that it was strong, and safe enough for people to use. After discussing the story students will be given the challenge of constructing a paper bridge strong enough to hold 100 pennies! This engaging STEM activity, that is fully guided by the teacher, will get the students thinking and working like true innovators. At the end of the class, students will have the opportunity to share their creations and reflect on the process. 
***
Class Goals: 
-Students will understand the challenges that people were faced with when building and trusting the strength of the Brooklyn Bridge. They will understand how innovation and problem solving strategies helped earn the trust of the people. 
-Students will focus on a topic (the building of the Brooklyn Bridge) to develop and revise their written plan to build a sturdy structure of their own. 
-Students will generate and complete multiple solutions to the posed problem of "how can you build a bridge using paper and tape that will hold the weight of 100 pennies?"
-Students will engage in discussions, when comfortable, in order to share their learning about this interesting topic!
***
Please be sure to gather the necessary materials (listed below) before class!
***
Evaluation: 
Student success will be evaluated based on their participation in the activities, as well as their level of flexibility and perseverance in solving the given problem.