Lego Builders Club – Bridge STEAM Challenge

Unleash your creativity, engineering skills, and teamwork in the Lego Builders Club Bridge Challenge! Participants will have the opportunity to design and construct a Lego bridge that pushes the boundaries of aesthetics, strength, and length. This exciting event combines science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) principles in a fun and engaging way.

Challenge Rules:

1. Participants can work individually or in teams of up to 4 people.
2. Each team will be provided with a beginning set of Lego bricks.
3. Teams will have 1.5 hours (90 minutes) to design and build their bridges.
4. The bridge must span a minimum of 8 inches (no center supports, open span counted only).
5. The bridge must have a flat surface in the center to hold an empty cup. The cup will slowly be filled with pennies until either the cup is full or the bridge fails.
6. There are no restrictions on the bridge’s design or aesthetics, but creativity and visual appeal will be rewarded with bonus points.

Judging Criteria:

1. Span Length: The bridge with the longest successful span will receive the highest score in this category.
2. Weight Capacity: The bridge will be tested by placing an empty cup in the center, which will then be filled with coins until a) the cup is full, or b) the bridge fails. The bridge that supports the most weight will receive the highest score in this category.
3. Aesthetics: Bridges will be judged based on creativity, visual appeal, and overall design. Bonus points will be awarded for exceptional aesthetics.

Educational Values:

1. Engineering Concepts: Participants will learn about key engineering principles such as force distribution, structural integrity, and load-bearing capacity.
2. Creativity and Problem Solving: The challenge encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills as participants design unique and functional bridges.
3. Collaboration: If working in teams, participants will practice teamwork, communication, and leadership skills as they work together to create their bridges.
4. Math and Science Integration: Teams will apply mathematical concepts, such as measurement and geometry, as well as scientific principles, such as gravity and weight distribution, to their bridge designs.

The Fun Side:

1. Hands-on Learning: The Lego Bridge Builders STEAM Challenge allows participants to learn by doing, engaging their minds and hands in a fun and interactive way.
2. Friendly Competition: The challenge fosters a sense of healthy competition as teams vie to create the best bridge in terms of strength, length, and aesthetics.
3. Sense of Achievement: The thrill of successfully building a bridge that meets the challenge criteria instills a sense of accomplishment and confidence in participants.
4. Socializing and Networking: The event provides an excellent opportunity for participants to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and build friendships.

Join us for The Lego Bridge Builders STEAM Challenge and put your skills to the test while having a blast!