Year 6 students took part in a day arranged by Downham Market Rotary Club, learning about the skills involved in bridge building.

The Rotary Junior Technology Tournament showcases why civil engineers are so important and gives students an idea of the role they play in society, building structures such as stations, airports, tunnels and bridges.

To bring the task down to scale, the challenge set was to design and make a bridge that would be suitable for a squirrel to cross in a nature reserve.

Teams of three to four pupils set to work, using a range of different materials and trying out various ideas of how to make their structure successful.

Year 6 class teacher Caroline Clark said: “Our Year 6 Researcher Class thoroughly enjoyed the Rotary Technology Event and came up with some impressive designs.

“A big thanks to Howard from Downham Market Rotary Club who came along to facilitate the day. The pupils worked collaboratively in teams to design and make a bridge that would be suitable for a squirrel crossing. 

“They were all so engaged throughout the session and demonstrated a growth mindset when they realised that some of their designs did not meet the criteria laid out in the challenge. It was great to see them workout the problems.”

The idea of the challenge is to help students develop skills in science, design and maths and teams were encouraged to take specific roles such as architect, structural engineer or materials engineer.

The teams had to take into account gravity and weight when building a bridge, as well as tension and compression forces.

One team took the overall top spot as their design met all the criteria set out.

Ms Clarke added: “Our 'Bob the Builders' team, made up of William, Arthur and Harrison created an impressive model that measured 20cm from the ground even when the bridge carried a load. 

“Additionally, they had camouflaged their bridge well to blend with the local environment and had ensured that all potential squirrels were well protected from high winds. The bridge was sturdy and didn't move at all when a hairdryer was directed towards it. They did a really great job as did all the other teams and lots of fun was had.”

Winning team member William said: "It was stressful and fun at the same time.”



Harrison added: "It was really fun because it was a full team effort, and everyone brought something different to the table.”