Inspired by the inventive spirit of “Iggy Peck, Architect” by Andrea Beaty, this STEAM activity invites young learners to think like engineers and designers. Let’s discover how a simple story can become the blueprint for a hands-on construction project that not only bridges rivers but also connects children to the fundamentals of STEAM education.
After reading about the adventures of young Iggy Peck, who loves building things out of all sorts of materials, we pose a challenge: Can we build a bridge just like Iggy? With wooden blocks, craft sticks, and pipe cleaners, the stage is set for creativity to unfold.
The Construction Zone
Allow time for students to explore and use the materials to design and build a bridge. During the experimentation phase, each child becomes a problem solver, a critical thinker, and an artist, all roles embodied by Iggy himself. As they work, they’ll test the strength of their creations—can it support the weight of a block that represents their teacher?
Putting STEAM into Action
In this activity, science prompts us to ask how bridges are part of our everyday lives and why they’re important. Technology comes in as we explore famous bridges, perhaps even using a tablet or computer to view pictures of these engineering marvels. The engineering is hands-on as each child constructs their bridge, making adjustments and improvements along the way.
Art is integrated as the children draw their finished bridges. Math is key in measuring the length of their bridges and, for those who take on the optional challenge, in counting how many pennies their paper cup can hold without collapsing the bridge.
Ask the children to reflect on the types of structures Iggy created and what they most enjoyed about building their own. We marvel at the intersection of imagination and practicality, of stories and science, and most importantly, at the boundless potential of young minds when given the tools and encouragement to build something new.
The Blueprint for Fun and STEAM Learning
“Iggy Peck, Architect” isn’t just a story; it’s a launchpad for learning about design, construction, and the joy of creating something from just an idea. This STEAM activity shows how literature can extend beyond the page, inspiring children to build, create, and learn.
Want the step-by-step lesson?
Check out all our architecture STEAM lessons inside Pathways and bring the world of Iggy Peck into your classroom or home.
Let’s build bridges from dreams to reality and watch as our little architects construct their understanding of the world, one block, one craft stick, one pipe cleaner at a time. Click here to learn more about Pathways.
Leave a Reply