Build a paper bridge
Suggested years: 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 · 3–5 students · 1 days
How can two sheets of paper carry more weight?
Two bridge designs, a dimensioned sketch and load records
PIKO · PLAN · BUILD · TEST
Primary project-based learning for teams of 3–5
Five hands-on projects for primary students: paper bridges, book corners, inclusive signs, seed observations and cooling boxes. Teams of 3–5 compare proposals, make real products, retain two sets of original measurements and revise using evidence. Read the materials and complete workflow here, then record, export or print in the workshop.
Team project workshop →Project catalogue
Redesign a book corner
Suggested years: 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 · 3–5 students · 2 days
How can readers find a book quickly while different interests remain welcome?
A physical shelf or tabletop corner, signs, search trials and a recommendation
Make signs everyone understands
Suggested years: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 · 3–5 students · 1 days
How can a sign explain where to queue, place bags or tidy materials without shouting?
Two freestanding signs, ten task cards and comprehension trials
Start a seed observation station
Suggested years: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 · 3–5 students · 14 days
What might affect seed growth, and how can the comparison be fair?
Six seed cups, two observation cycles, condition records and an evidence-based conclusion
Build a cardboard cool box
Suggested years: 5 / 6 · 3–5 students · 2 days
Which packaging can slow the melting of identical ice cubes?
Two packages, material lists, meltwater records and a redesign explanation
Share the work in teams of 3–5
Use these roles in round one; rotate one position in round two. In teams of three, combine recording and coordination with other duties; teams of four share coordination. Everyone proposes an idea and takes part in testing.
- Designer / questioner
- Builder / materials
- Tester / measurer
- Recorder / presenter
- Listener / coordinator
Teacher notes
Check materials and constraints, then group by readiness. Notice who hears an alternative, changes their mind and explains evidence. Rotate roles between tests. Accept failure or no improvement, using a next-step plan to continue learning.
Give feedback on the actual process
- Question and trade-offs: compare reasons for two proposals and consider who is affected.
- Fair testing: explain what changed and what stayed constant; retain failures and repeated readings.
- Evidence: use original data, state limitations and propose a testable next step.
- Collaboration: everyone contributes, hears an alternative and rotates duties in round two.
Describe each dimension as needing support, explaining independently, or transferring to a new situation, with an observed example. Hear from every member.
Design references and scope
These original Piko Game primary projects draw on Astra Nova’s emphasis on problem solving, constructive disagreements and collaboration, and Synthesis’s emphasis on team discussion. Astra Nova currently serves ages 11–18. These age-adapted activities are independent of both organisations and are not their official curriculum.
Choose by readiness
Years indicate participation readiness. Teachers can adapt for reading, measuring and collaboration; young learners may draw or dictate with adult recording support. China 5–4 recommendations are readiness labels, not a certified curriculum mapping.
What to record
Team records stay in this browser and are never published on these public guides. Use nicknames. Export and import a file to change devices; export a backup before leaving if saving is unavailable.