Dinosaur Bridge STEAM Lab

Welcome to the Dino Cove STEAM Lab, where science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics come together through dinosaur-powered challenges.

Build a Dinosaur Bridge

Suggested grades: 2–5
Time: 20–30 minutes

Can you build a paper bridge strong enough to carry a dinosaur across a prehistoric river?

You Will Need

• Two books or small boxes
• Three sheets of paper
• Tape
• Coins, blocks, or a small dinosaur figure

The Challenge

1. Place the books about six inches apart.
2. Lay one sheet of paper across the gap.
3. Test how much weight the flat paper can hold.
4. Fold, roll, or shape another sheet to make it stronger.
5. Test the new bridge and compare the results.
6. Try one final design using the remaining paper.

Think Like an Engineer

• Which bridge held the most weight?
• How did folding the paper change its strength?
• What would you change if the bridge had to span a wider river?
• Where do you see similar shapes in real bridges?

Engineers learn by designing, testing, and improving. If your first bridge collapses, you have not failed—you have discovered something that will help with your next design.

Keep Exploring

Discover how dinosaurs, sunlight, stars, and a familiar party gas are connected in Helium, the Dinosaurs, and a Cosmic Connection:

Helium, the Dinosaurs, and a Cosmic Connection