The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Objectives:

  1. To use problem-solving skills to think of different bridge designs.
  2. To construct a bridge out of simple and inexpensive materials.

Materials:

  • Box of tongue depressors or popsicle sticks (per team), modeling clay (four sticks per team), cardboard boxes (one per team) to reinforce the bridge structure, tiny toy trolls (one per team), brought from home

    Procedures:

    1. Read the fictional tale The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Discuss the purpose of bridges. Ask: "How could the three billy goats have traveled safely to the green grass without fighting with the "troll"? (make a troll-proof bridge.)
    2. Present the problem-solving situation: "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" are so hungry, and they want to cross the bridge without fighting the troll. Their parents have taught them it is bad to fight. Can you make a bridge that will keep them safe from the troll?
    3. Have children draw their bridge designs in their folios (record-keeping logs). You check their sketches for accuracy.
    4. Allow children to work in teams of two-to-four. Provide each team with supplies.
    5. When all teams have made a "troll safe" bridge, have teams test the bridges using the toy trolls. Ask: "Can you make the toy trolls jump onto your bridge? If yes, what thing do you have to change to make the bridge "troll safe" for the three billy goats?" (Make a railing.)
    6. Discuss which teams' designs were "troll safe". Have teams take turns presenting their bridges to the class.
    7. Go to the library. Look for examples of engineers' designs and models of bridges. Show them a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge. Use the New True book of bridges and other nonfictional books.
    8. Have children pool all the materials and try to make the ultimate bridge. Allow other classes to view their bridge.

    Evaluation

    1. View student folios to insure sketches of bridges were completed.
    2. Assess student participation in team activities and group discussions.
    3. Evaluate student contributions to team presentations.

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