Structures & Bridges Kit

The Structures & Bridges Engineering Kit introduces students to structural engineering through hands-on design challenges and real-world problem solving. In this multi-day STEM unit, students explore how bridges and buildings withstand forces while using the engineering design process in collaborative teams. They build, test, and refine structural models while learning how engineers design safe, stable infrastructure.

Build and Compare Real Bridge Designs

Students construct 6 working models, including a house, a suspension bridge, a cable-stayed bridge, an arch bridge, and 2 styles of truss bridges. These activities allow learners to compare structural designs and see how engineering choices influence strength, efficiency, and stability.

Design and Test Load-Bearing Structures

Students complete two culminating engineering challenges. First, they compete to build the tallest freestanding tower using Engino components. Then they design and construct a bridge that spans 70 cm and supports a minimum static load of 2 kg using only straws and tape.

Explore the Forces Behind Structural Engineering

This kit helps students investigate how compression, tension, bending, torsion, and shear affect the stability of buildings and bridges. As they construct and analyze different models, students gain a practical understanding of how engineers design structures that safely support loads and withstand environmental forces.

Apply the Engineering Design Process

Throughout the unit, students actively engage in the engineering design process by planning, building, testing, and improving their designs. Hands-on challenges encourage experimentation, critical thinking, and teamwork while reinforcing key STEM concepts in structural engineering.

Connect Classroom Learning to Civil Engineering Careers

This resource helps students see how engineering concepts apply to real-world careers in civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, construction, and infrastructure design. By analyzing structural forces and testing load-bearing designs, students gain insight into the skills engineers use to design bridges, buildings, and transportation systems.

Complete Classroom Unit for Collaborative Learning

The full unit is designed for approximately 10 to 14 instructional days and supports collaborative group work. Materials and lessons guide students step by step as they investigate structural forces, compare bridge designs, and apply engineering principles in authentic design challenges. Accommodates 24 students working in small groups. Recommended for Middle School.

Standards: Aligns with NGSS.

Benefits for STEM Learning

• Supports hands-on exploration of structural engineering concepts
• Helps students understand compression, tension, torsion, bending, and shear forces
• Engages learners in the full engineering design process
• Encourages collaboration, communication, and critical thinking
• Promotes real-world problem solving through bridge and tower challenges
• Connects classroom STEM learning to civil engineering and construction careers
• Provides a structured 10- to 14-day STEM unit ready for classroom implementation

Bring real-world engineering challenges into your classroom with the Structures & Bridges Engineering Kit and help students discover how engineers design the structures that shape our world.

Kit includes:

• Engino Structures: Buildings & Bridges Sets, 6 Ea
• Plastic Rulers, 6 Ea
• Spring Scale (10,000 g/100 N), 1 Ea
• Scissors (7–8"), 6 Ea
• Dowel Rod (1/2" × 8", Cross-Cut), 1 Ea
• Plastic Drinking Cups (6 oz), 3 Ea
• Roll of Kite String (420'), 1 Ea
• Roll of Masking Tape (30 yd), 1 Ea
• Plastic Straws, 600 Ea
• Engino Structures: Buildings & Bridges Booklets, 6 Ea
• Teacher's Manual with Lesson Plans, 1 Ea
• Student Worksheets, 1 Set
• Bucket w/ Lid (6 gal), 1 Ea