"One sheet each," Rocket says. "Fold it any way you like!"
Raven checks every gap with her ruler.
Nova hums. "I will count coins for every bridge."
Who will hold the most?
A bridge crosses a gap and holds a load.
Flat paper bends. Folded paper is stiffer.
Keep the gap, paper and coins the same.
Count coins to score each bridge.
◇ FAMILY BRIDGE BUILD-OFF
Each builder gets one sheet of paper. Set every gap to 6 inches. Fold, roll or bend your paper any way. Add coins to the middle, one at a time. Count the coins each bridge holds.
For a grown-up
Check that each gap is the same 6 inches. Keep the coin pile away from young siblings. Ask: why do you think your shape held more?
Safety first
Coins never go in mouths. Keep book stacks low and steady.
BUILD DAY CHECK
Read the question.
Tap your answer.
One bridge uses a 4 inch gap. The rest use 6. Is that fair?
FAIR BRIDGES
Read the question.
Tap your answer.
One builder uses heavier coins. Is that fair?
A bridge sags but does not touch the table yet. Keep going?