The Great Safari Bridge Build

Can you design and build a bridge that is strong, stable, and thoughtfully engineered?

In our Q3 STEM Challenge, students will explore real-world engineering concepts by planning, building, testing, and improving their own bridge designs using common household materials.

This challenge encourages creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning while introducing students to basic structural engineering principles.

The Goal

Students will:

• Apply engineering and design thinking
• Explore structure, balance, and strength
• Test and improve their designs
• Explain their reasoning and process

Who Can Participate

Open to all Homeschool Safari families.

Each family may submit one bridge as a team. Families may include one child or multiple siblings working together. Parent guidance and discussion are encouraged; however, students should complete the construction.

Projects will be judged by family bridge, not by age.

Materials

Students may use household or craft materials, including but not limited to:

• Popsicle sticks
• Paper or cardboard
• Straws
• Tape or glue
• String or yarn

Restrictions:

• No pre-built kits
• No adult construction (guidance and discussion are allowed)

The Challenge

Students must build a stand-alone bridge that:

• Spans a minimum distance of 8 inches
• Holds the most weight for 10 seconds without breaking
• Stands independently without being held
• Demonstrates intentional design and planning

Weight may include coins, books, or small household objects. Weight must be placed at the center of the bridge.

Testing and Submission

To enter the contest, families will submit one entry per family.

Each submission must include:

• A photo or short video of the completed bridge
• A video showing the weight test with:
  • Weight placed on the center of the bridge
  • A visible 10-second timer
• A short written explanation that includes:
  • Materials used
  • What worked well
  • What they would change or improve

Families may test their bridge multiple times and submit their best successful attempt.

Only the highest weight held for a full 10 seconds will be considered for judging.

Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated based on:

• Strength and stability (highest weight held for 10 seconds)
• Creativity and design
• Problem-solving and effort
• Quality of explanation

Prizes

The top three families will receive Amazon gift cards:

• First Place: $40 Amazon Gift Card
• Second Place: $30 Amazon Gift Card
• Third Place: $20 Amazon Gift Card

Important Dates

• Contest opens: Q3
• Submission deadline: March 6
• Winners announced: March 12th

More Information

• Each family may submit one bridge
• The bridge must be a stand-alone structure
• No pre-built kits or adult construction
• Parent guidance is encouraged; students should do the building

Start planning, designing, and testing. We can’t wait to see what our engineers create.