• I can solve an engineering design problem.
• I can create a bridge that will be safe and support people (pennies).
• I can describe the steps I used in the engineering design process.
• I can reflect on my design and improve upon my design.
  

Materials

• The story The Three Billy Goats Gruff
• Engineering Design Process Journal
• clothespins
• Popsicle sticks
• cardstock paper
  
• tape
• scissors
• rubber bands
• straws
• pennies (to represent people)
  

Procedure

1. Read or listen to the story The Three Billy Goats Gruff.
2. Identify the problem in the story.
3. Watch the Engineering Design Process Video.
4. Pose the engineering design challenge - How can you design a bridge that will keep the Billy Goats Gruff safe from the troll and support the most people?
5. Identify the constraints - students can only use the specified materials; the bridge must be off the ground.
6. Complete the "Ask" box of the Engineering Journal together in class.
7. Have students turn and talk to share their ideas for creating a bridge design.
8. Put students into groups of 2-3.
9. Have students share their ideas with their group and choose one design to create.
10. Sketch or describe your bridge design in the "Imagine" box in the journal.
11. Create your bridge and test how many people (pennies) it will hold.
12. Record your results in the "Create/Test" section of the journal.
13. Reflect on your design. Discuss what worked, what didn't, and how you can improve your design. Make at least one improvement to your design and record your thinking in the "Improve" section of the journal.
14. Reflect on the challenge and complete the "Reflect" portion of the journal.