Tunnel Building Challenge

Activity Overview

Tunnels are a part of many children’s everyday experiences. Driving, taking the subway, or even walking brings us in contact with tunnels. This activity allows the student the space to explore tunnels and not only see how they are used, but who makes them, how long and big they are, and what they are made out of. The student will then have the opportunity to create their own tunnel. Where will it go? What will it go through?

What You Need

• Building materials (blocks, MagnaTiles, Legos, sticks)

• Drawing utensils

• Paper

• Tunnels slideshow

Steps

1. Take a moment to assess your student’s previous knowledge of tunnels. Consider using the Tunnels slideshow to help frame your discussion. Use the guiding questions below to help move through a conversation with your student.

2. Have the student first draw what they plan to build. Remind them to draw all the sections and see if they can follow their drawn plan in their building exploration.

3. Give them support as needed through their build, and help them problem solve if they need help.

Guiding Questions

• What do we use tunnels for?

• What types of tunnels are there?

• Who uses tunnels? Who builds tunnels?

• How many types of transportation vehicles use tunnels?

• Do people dig tunnels, or do machines? Do animals dig tunnels?

• What are tunnels made out of?

• Who takes care of the tunnels?

Extensions

• Build tunnels of different sizes using objects in your home or classroom. Develop a plan with the student to make tunnels that are appropriate sizes for a small toy car, a stuffed animal, a child, and an adult.

• Measure the distance of the student’s tunnel using a ruler, unifix cubes, or other tools that your student may have been exposed to already. Challenge them to build a longer tunnel using similar materials. Next, encourage them to use different materials to construct a longer tunnel.