Polydron Bridges set, 134 parts

Unlock the secrets of bridge building with this Polydron bridge set. Novice engineers or designers can build and test different types of bridge designs.

In this set some of the most recognizable and world-famous bridge structures. Includes the Truss , Suspension, Cantilever, Cable and Bascule bridge.

This product is STEM certified, for more information see: Stem.org

The parts come in a Gratnell bin with lid so everything stays together. Also included are 12 work cards explaining what each part can be used for. These cards are in English and Dutch. So also suitable for bilingual education.

For each bridge there is a work card with some pictures and instructions on how to make a bridge. It is not a cookbook recipe. You have to think for yourself how to put the bridges together.

It is also explained why a bridge is strong or what the advantages of these bridges are. At the end of the work card is an extension where b.v. contains a challenge for which the children have to come up with a solution.

The 8 standard bridges are:

Truss bridge (Pratt-Truss bridge)

Truss bridge (Howe-Truss bridge)

Truss bridge (Warren-Truss bridge)

Overhead girder bridge

Cantilever Bridge

Truss Bridge

Suspension bridge

Drawbridge

The set contains enough material to build the bridges 1 by 1. Before starting the next bridge, you have to demolish the previous bridge.

There are also work cards with advanced topics. This does require using parts from the 8 standard bridges.
Advanced topics are:

Large Catilever Bridge: With a center piece, the challenge here is to make the bridge as long as possible with different pieces of bridge deck and towers.

Longer Tuibridge: Using paperclips and rope, make a longer Tuibridge, but then you also have to make the pillar bases higher then ?

Making Suspended Bridges Longer: How long can I make a suspension bridge and also strong. How do the cables that hold the bridge work.

Bascule bridges: This bridge works with a counterweight, make a strong framework to have enough strength to lift a road surface.

Swing bridges: How long can you make both sides of the bridge if they remain symmetrical. And what happens if both are not symmetrical ?

Pillar feet: The Pillar Foot is the foundation of the bridge. In what ways can you use this pillar foot.

This set is great for STEM education. STEM education is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Translated into Dutch: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Stem toys introduce children to inquiry and design learning.

Through b.v. they can discover and develop their technical skills and knowledge in a playful way. This includes encouraging critical thinking, collaboration and general learning and thinking skills.

Not suitable for children 0 - 3 years old due to small parts such as strings in this set.

BPA Free: This toy is BPA free and 100% Recyclable.

Easy to clean, the plastic parts can even go in the dishwasher up to 70°C.

BPA FREE