Scenario

Engineers must make important decisions about bridges so that people and their cars, buses, and trucks can safely pass over them for many years. You will be part of a team that will research, design, and create a model bridge that can hold as much weight as possible. 

  Task and Product

Engineers like you use the Design Process to build things in the community.  The Design Process includes the following steps:  Research, Design, Create, Test, Review, and Modify.

First, you should form groups of 3 engineers.  Each of you will need to research information about a type of bridge (Beam, Arch, and Suspension).  Use the "Research the Types of Bridges" worksheet to draw a picture with labels and to write down three facts about how your bridge is built.     

Second, each engineer should independently research the different forces that effect bridges.  Use the "Research the Types of Bridges" worksheet to draw a picture, record your 3 facts, and to identify the forces that effect bridges.  Think about what geometric shapes will create the strongest bridge as you make your observations.  Print the worksheet: Word;  html

Third, after your team completes each of the organizers organizer, you will think, pair, share with your group to decide which bridge to build.  Design a blueprint or drawing of the bridge you plan to build by using the "Design Your Team Bridge" Worksheet.  Print the worksheet:  Word;  html

Think about how you will create your bridge using marshmallows, toothpicks, and construction paper.  Remember to consider the materials and the guidelines (rules) for the bridge as you create your blueprint. 

Next, build the bridge using the Building the Bridge worksheet you and your teammates created.  Keep the rules in mind as you work.

Then, when your bridge is finished, test the bridge with your class by placing one penny at a time on your bridge until you have used 50 of them.  As you watch how your bridge reacts to the weight, think about how the forces are effecting your bridge.  Use the "Data Collection" worksheet to record the class results.  Print the worksheet:  Word;  html

With your group, review the results of the test and discuss what you should do to the bridge to make it stronger.  Modify (change) your bridge and retest.

Gather and Sort

Assessment

Rubric for your finished project: Word; html

Rubric for teamwork: Word; html

Questions

Questions I should be able to answer when I finish the "Building A Bridge" project:

• What are the most common types of bridges?
• What forces affect bridges?
• Why is an engineer important to the community?
• What geometric shape(s) do engineers use to create the strongest bridges?
• What kind of bridge is the strongest?  Why?
• What are the steps to the Design Process?
• Where can I go for more information about bridges?

Reflection and Extension

Use what you have learned about building bridges and the "Bridges and Earthquakes" worksheet to create a bridge that will be safe if an Earthquake occurs.                                       Print the worksheet: Word;  html

In what ways did using the Design Process and building a model of a bridge help you understand the type of bridge that will hold the most weight?