BRIDGE BUILDING

 

Author(s): M. Hirsch, C. Sabo, A. Tobias

E-mail Address: hirschm@ten-nash.ten.k12.tn.us

School(s): Millington-Central High, Bolton High, Houston High School

Subject/Grade Level: Math/High School

Principal Curricular Area(s) Addressed: Geometry related classes

Topic:

Bridges historically were used to transport people and water. Over time, because of certain inventions, bridge building has become an exact science. This project is designed for students to discover the geometric shape that structurally builds the strongest bridge. The culminating activity for this project will be for the student to build and test his/her bridge design.   

Learning Goals:

The student will ...

  1. research information about bridges thru directed questions.
  2. discover the ideal geometric shape that will theoretically provide the greatest support.
  3. design a blueprint of a bridge.
  4. construct a model of a bridge from a blueprint.

 

Learner Task:

  1. print student questionnaire on bridges (see student questionnaire under resources)
  2. research the ideal geometric shape for constructing bridges from the Internet resources
  3. complete the student questionnaire (assignment #1)
  4. view slide show
  5. design a blueprint of a bridge
  6. print bridge design instructions (see resources)
  7. construct a model of a bridge from the blueprint using given specifications(see slideshow)
  8. presentation of research and model (see slide show)
  9. test the load-bearing capacity of the bridge(see slide show)

 

Resources: