Compare: Paper Bridge vs. Stick Bridge is a three-page 2nd grade science Venn diagram for NGSS K-2-ETS1-3. Students read nine lettered test results and place each one in Paper Bridge, Both, or Stick Bridge. Some results carry numbers, such as a bridge that held 50 pennies and one that bent at 10. Others cover sagging, folding, wet glue, and heavy toy cars. The answer key puts three facts in each part.
K-2-ETS1-3
“Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.”
Facts A, B, D, and F are test data that show the stick bridge's strength and the paper bridge's weakness. Facts G and I show the reverse.
Nine facts, A to I, describe how each bridge did, from Sags in the middle when tested to Strong enough to hold heavy toy cars.
Students write each letter in Paper Bridge, Both, or Stick Bridge. The Both section holds what the designs share, such as solving the problem of crossing a gap.
After a penny test
Build one paper bridge and one stick bridge and load them with pennies in front of the class. Students then place facts A and D from what they saw.
Strengths and weaknesses
Ask students to find one strength of the paper bridge. Very lightweight and easy to fold is the one they tend to miss.
Before their own tests
Use it as a model before groups compare two of their own designs. The same three-part layout works for any pair of solutions.
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