In the example lesson below, students in the Inventors group (Grades 4–5) take on a real-world engineering challenge—designing and testing bridge models to determine which structure can hold the most weight. This challenge, titled Bridge Type Trials, not only introduces students to the science of structural engineering but also emphasizes moral responsibility, teamwork, and the dignity of human work through a Catholic lens.

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The lesson begins with a picture book that introduces bridges—both physical and symbolic—as tools for connection and service. Students are then shown a short historical or scientific video explaining truss, suspension, and beam bridge designs. These resources provide critical background knowledge and engage students in thinking about how engineering impacts daily life and safety.

The core question—“Can you build a bridge model that holds the most weight using good design?”—leads students into the Engineering Design Process, which they now follow with growing independence. They begin by individually imagining ideas and creating labeled design sketches, then join their small groups to share and combine ideas. Each team creates a collective blueprint on a larger planning sheet, which includes a clear diagram, list of materials, and group member roles.

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This lesson’s virtue focus is Responsibility, teaching students that the strength of their design reflects more than just skill—it reflects care for others. Like real engineers, they must evaluate which bridge type serves the most people safely and efficiently. The soft skill of Evaluation becomes the lens through which students measure success—not only by how much weight a bridge holds, but by how thoughtfully and collaboratively it was designed.

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With materials such as string, wood sticks, binder clips, cardboard, and test weights, teams construct their bridges and present their models to the class. Each group explains its reasoning, tests the bridge’s strength under increasing weight, and records the results. Peers and the teacher provide constructive feedback, encouraging students to reflect and improve their original designs before re-testing.

This lesson also incorporates the Catholic Social Teaching principle of Rights and Responsibilities. Students explore the idea that just as people have the right to safe infrastructure and transportation, engineers have the responsibility to ensure those rights are met through careful, ethical design. The act of building becomes an expression of faith—helping others "cross safely," just as God bridges the gap between us and His love.

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As with all Kingdom Builders STEAM lessons, this Inventors-level project follows a consistent, faith-integrated structure:

• A literature and media introduction to spark inquiry

• Application of the Engineering Design Process

• A focus on a specific Catholic virtue and corresponding Catholic Social Teaching

• Development of an essential soft skill for leadership and collaboration

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Through this bridge-building challenge, students don’t just compare designs—they grow as thoughtful, responsible inventors who understand that their gifts and efforts are meant to serve others and glorify God.

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This Lesson also ties into one of the Kingdom Builder STEAM Adventure books: The Case of the Sinking Boat! All 6 books are featured as resources in the Kingdom Builder STEAM Curriculum. Learn more about the Kingdom Builders STEAM Adventures by clicking on the image below!