Page 1 of 8
A muddy gap
After rain, Ava found a muddy groove between the beetle garden and the patch of tall marigolds. Three lady beetles waited beside it.
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Ava Builds a Bridge for the Beetles
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Ava Builds a Bridge for the Beetles
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Page 1
A muddy gap
After rain, Ava found a muddy groove between the beetle garden and the patch of tall marigolds. Three lady beetles waited beside it.
Page 2
The first try
Ava laid one craft stick across the groove. It reached the other side, but it tipped when she pressed it gently.
Page 3
A wider bridge
She added a second stick beside the first. The bridge grew wider, yet both sticks still slipped into the soft mud.
Page 4
A steady idea
Ava studied the garden bench and noticed its legs stood on broad wooden feet. Wide supports helped the bench stay steady.
Page 5
A better base
She placed two flat bark pieces at the groove's edges, then rested the craft sticks across them. The bridge no longer sank.
Page 6
Test it gently
Ava tested the bridge with three small pebbles, one at a time. It stayed level, so she removed the pebbles.
Page 7
Across the bridge
The lady beetles crawled over the dry bridge toward the marigolds. Ava watched without touching them and cheered softly.
Page 8
Try, learn, improve
Ava learned that a strong bridge needs a steady base. Her first tipping bridge had shown her exactly what to improve.
What will you try next?
Put Ava’s four steps in order. Think about what she tried and what she changed.
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