Little STEAMers: Brilliant Bridges

Starting with a mystery bag filled with intriguing objects and materials, children will explore what they notice and think about how the different items might be used to build a bridge. A lively warm-up gets everyone moving and thinking like engineers, while a story introduces the idea of bridges and why we need structures that can span gaps.

Children will then take on three practical building challenges, using simple materials to create their own beam bridges. They’ll explore how different materials, supports and designs affect how strong and stable a bridge can be, testing whether their structures can carry a load without bending or wobbling.

What happens if a bridge doesn’t work? Children can change their design, move the supports or try using the materials differently before testing it again. Along the way, they’ll discover that engineers often learn through trial and error and that there can be lots of different solutions to the same problem.

We’ll also make connections with the Royal Navy, exploring how engineers design and build structures to support ships, equipment and people around naval dockyards.

With a mystery bag, warm-up, story and song alongside the practical challenges, Building Bridges encourages children to imagine, build, test and improve, developing curiosity, creativity, confidence and early engineering skills.

This session is designed for children aged 3–5 and must be accompanied by an adult.

Session 1: 10.45am – 11.45am
Session 2: 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Location: Royal Marine Experience (Mezzanine)

This event is included in general admission, but spaces are limited to 12 children per session, so please book in advance using the link below:

BOOK YOUR SESSION

This event is made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.