Buildings and Bridges

Build models of large structures.

This course is a great choice for students who enjoy building, experimenting, and solving design challenges. It introduces young engineers to the core ideas behind how real structures stand, balance, and stay safe, while giving plenty of room for creativity. Students brainstorm, test, and improve their designs as they learn how engineers think and work.

Students take on a wide mix of construction challenges, including towers, bridges, domes, dams, and disaster-ready buildings. They test materials, explore geometric shapes, work within budgets, and refine blueprints as they improve each design. Activities include load-bearing models, hydraulic mechanisms, waterproofing experiments, and earthquake simulations, with Fairfax Collegiate providing all supplies. Many projects encourage teamwork as students build in pairs or small groups.

At the end of the course, families receive photos and videos of student work. Students leave with a stronger understanding of structural engineering and the confidence to take on bigger building design or STEM challenges.