SF Art & Bridge Engineering

It’s the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75th year, and engineer Sarah Strong is throwing a birthday bash for the iconic span. To honor its innovative designer, Joseph Strauss, Sarah is sending her invitees on a scavenger hunt to prove they have the vision and determination to puzzle their way to the party. This week, set out on a San Francisco adventure to understand the engineering and artistic achievements of the City by the Bay, collecting the clues you need to celebrate at the soiree of the century!

(Pre-K - Kindergarten)

Art: Explore the art of Golden Gate Park! Learn the history of the Dutch Windmill, then experiment with clay techniques as you sculpt your own. Practice cutting and combining simple shapes to create carousel animals like the ones in the park.

Science: Shape up your building skills as you apply pressure to a “shape sandwich” to find the strongest geometric forms. Use what you learn to build and test a sturdy suspension bridge with your team, made with chairs, Tinkertoys and string.

Outdoors: Take off on a Golden Gate Park-themed scavenger hunt and make some wonderfully wacky Klutz projects!

(Rising 1st - 2nd graders)

Art: Check out the city’s twistiest, tastiest secrets! Learn about perspective to create a Lombard Street collage, then get inspired by Ghirardelli Square as you study the shadows of simple shapes and paint a delicious Wayne Thiebaud-inspired dessert.

Science: Tackle the challenges of real engineers as you learn how to build bridge towers in water using a cofferdam. Investigate cable strength by bundling together your own cable strands to find out how many it takes to safely suspend your bridge.

Outdoors: Tackle the twists and turns of a Lombard Street-themed obstacle course, then get wet with your favorite water games!

(Rising 3rd - 5th graders)

Art: Design your own “painted lady,” using your knowledge of 3-D construction and color to craft and embellish a Victorian house façade. Explore silhouettes as you create three-color prints in the style of Michael Schwab’s iconic San Francisco art.

Science: Engineer your own scientifically sound suspension bridge using wood, rope and other materials. Construct sturdy towers, cables and suspenders, balancing the tension and compression that keeps the Golden Gate Bridge standing strong, then take the lead in building a life-size suspension bridge!

Outdoors: Get moving with cool team challenges, like island hopping your way across the bay without touching “water.”