
Then it was time to start measuring how many toothpicks we’d need for each side. My middle schooler used the template on the DVD as her guide. We started by creating a paper template to use as the design for our bridge sides. Some of these are practically works of art. This time, though, we stuck to the basics. In the Toothpick Bridges teachers’ guide, there are examples of stunning toothpick bridges constructed by students. That really helped her get a clearer idea of what was involved in the process. So I played it a second time and watched it along with her, pausing frequently to ask about her understanding. Since she has ADHD, she watched the video once and said “I got it!” As we started on the project, though, I could see that she didn’t really get it quite yet. It really helped my middle schooler to “see” exactly what the process is for designing and creating her bridge. I was so thankful for the Toothpick Bridges DVD. It’s very, very detailed and an excellent in-depth lesson we’ll be working on through the rest of the year. The plan includes plenty of activities, research, and illustrations to make an entire month of lessons based on this concept. We also received the complete lesson plan Masterpiece Toothpick Bridges: A Guide for Teachers and Students, which was a huge help for me as the educator.
STRONG TOOTHPICKS BRIDGE HOW TO
And an instructional video on how to design your own toothpick bridge.The Pitsco Education Toothpick Bridges Maker Project was the foundation for our lesson. For example, if you want to focus on math, you can browse plenty of awesome math projects. What I love about Pitsco’s product selection is that all of the lessons feature hands-on projects, which are an incredible teaching method for active homeschoolers (like ours). Each of the resources are grouped by category. Pitsco Education offers many, many resources for homeschoolers who want to work on STEM concepts with their kids. Pitsco Education Toothpick Bridges Maker Project All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review. So I jumped at the chance to try the Toothpick Bridges Maker Project from Pitsco Education! See how this curriculum helps kids learn how to build a toothpick bridge and learn about design and engineering at the same time!ĭisclosure: I received this product in exchange for this post. And who knows? Maybe she’ll become an engineer herself! That way, as she goes on in her schooling, she won’t be intimidated by these subjects later.

We’ve got a busy middle schooler and I want her to get a good introduction to science, technology, engineering, and math during these years. STEM education is a huge priority in our homeschool these days.
