Paper Bridge STEM Challenge | 2nd & 3rd Grade Engineering Activity with Biblical Integration

Engage your students with a hands-on, creativity-filled engineering challenge! In the Paper Bridge STEM Challenge, students will use only paper and cups to design a bridge strong enough to hold as many pennies as possible. Through experimentation and iteration, they’ll explore balance, structure, weight distribution, and the power of small design choices.

This challenge strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering skills, while also incorporating a meaningful biblical character connection from Ephesians 2:10. Students discover that just as they carefully design a sturdy bridge, God has intentionally designed them—with purpose, care, and good works prepared specifically for them.

Perfect for Christian schools, homeschools, or any classroom looking to connect STEM learning with character, identity, and purpose.

What’s Included:

• Google Slides presentation (ready to teach)
• Clear student instructions
• Materials list
• STEM design requirements and constraints
• Testing and reflection steps
• Biblical integration / character connection
• Optional discussion questions

Biblical Connection:

Ephesians 2:10 teaches that we are God’s workmanship, created with intention and purpose. As students design and test their paper bridges, they see firsthand how thoughtful planning and careful construction lead to strong, reliable results. This activity helps students reflect on the truth that God designed them just as intentionally—and created them to do good works that make a difference.

Students are encouraged to think not only about how to build, but why we build: to solve problems, help others, and use our God-given creativity with purpose.

Perfect For:

• Beginning or mid-year STEM challenges
• Makerspace or STEM stations
• Sub plans with purpose
• Early finishers or enrichment
• Faith-based learning environments