— June 18, 2024

From keeping it as simple as learning shapes to introducing engineering your child will love this activity. Play based learning and a STEAM activity combined creates an engaging environment they will want to continue participating in. In case you did not know, STEAM (also commonly known as the original STEM) stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. 

Pairing a favorite snack with lesson time is always a hit with my boys. By simply adding toothpicks to the mix my two year old, Mo, is introduced to learning shapes. My three year old, Mick learns 3D shapes. Lastly, Martin, my five year old, is introduced to structure stability.

Civil Engineering with Grapes is a part of a week’s worth of lessons that teach you preschooler the letter G and offer more activities. Be sure to check it out here:

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Your 3-5 year old has probably never thought about who designs the buildings they see everyday, the roads they travel on, or the bridges we drive across. We only break out the TV during lessons when I have a very specific video to show. 

I recommend that you show your child a video specifically for kids that explains what a civil engineer does. Here is an excellent choice for any preschooler from Hopscotch. And I appreciate the in depth look this one offers for an older preschooler and up: Crash Course.

Simple household items: grapes & toothpicks. 

Step 1: Supplies.

While the kids watch the video I assemble the supplies on the kitchen table. The supplies are simple. I bought large toothpicks and colorful toothpicks so that we had more options and variety.

Step 2: One shape at a time. 

Begin by sitting down with some yourself. It is important to step them piece by piece through the assembly of different shapes. As you put a toothpick in a grape, they should too. Place another grape at the other end of the toothpick, they should mimic. Help them if necessary. After the guided lesson they can independently play, create, and imagine!

Simple shapes include: triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, trapezoid, and rhombus. I kept the activity to the first three because of my plan to extend this for Marty and Mick into 3D shapes. Tailor this time to your family’s goals and attention spans. 

As we completed 2D shapes we placed them off to the side so that we could come back to them and make 3D.

Step 3: Ask questions. 

Marty already knew what shape we made before I had a chance to ask his younger brothers. But a gentle correction reminded him that this is Mick’s lesson and that Marty’s challenge will come at the end.

Marty guessed the triangle shape correctly and Mick answered the square and rectangle readily. This is an excellent review before getting into 3D. 

Step 4: 3D shapes

In this step we are simply continuing the process of building out our shapes into a pyramid, cube, and box. Demonstrate for your child and have them mimic. Assist if necessary. Marty created a shape that had a second triangle attached by parallel toothpicks coming off his current triangle. I allowed him to finish, even though I noticed he was doing this. Once complete we compared the shapes and he corrected his mistake. He still made a stable structure and I told him so. However, our goal was to make a pyramid so he retried and made a pyramid.

Step 5: Introduce civil engineering 

Now explain to you children that these shapes are foundations to what civil engineers use to make buildings and bridges structurally sound. They can withstand heavy weight, wind, etc. 

Encourage your child to make structures that use these shapes of triangles, squares, and rectangles. If you are feeling daring, challenge your child to make a bridge out of triangles or a three story building out of squares.

Step 6: Free play

For an activity like this I always reserve time for my children to have independent, free play with the materials. Since grapes are involved do not leave your child unattended. 

Simply, give them space to use their own creativity and imagination. Do not demonstrate unless they ask for something specifically. This is an important step. 

Mick really enjoyed making suns. Where he stuck a bunch of toothpicks in one grape. It looked more like the medieval ball with spikes called a “morning star.” He made a lot of morning stars/suns. Marty enjoyed seeing how long he could make his road and Mo enjoyed snacking.

STEAM Activities

There are two things I absolutely adore about this activity. First, grapes are used, a very healthy snack. Second, this can be tailored to various age levels very easily. 

Are you eager to do this STEAM activity with your child? Let me know in the comments

If you enjoyed this lesson and want more grape themed lessons check out Gg is for Grape. Curious what the rest of Letter of Week looks like? Check it out at the button below for free.

Civil Engineering with Grapes

Activity Instructions

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