GRADES 5 - 12
SUSPENSION BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

OBJECTIVES: Students build a model of a suspension bridge and test the amount of weight it will support. Students will be able to identify different types of bridges: suspension, arch, girder, truss, cantilever, cable-stayed and moveable. Students will learn materials can be positioned in specific patterns to form a stronger structure. NATIONAL SCIENCE STANDARDS: Physical Science: Properties And Changes Of Properties In Matter (5-8) Motions And Forces (5-8) Structure And Properties Of Matter (9-12) Motions And Forces (9-12) Science As Inquiry: Abilities Necessary To Do Scientific Inquiry Science and Technology: Understanding About Science and Technology STANDARDS FOR TECHNOLOGY LITERACY: The Nature of Technology: Students will develop an understanding of the characteristics and scope of technology. Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of technology. Students will develop an understanding of the relationships among technologies and the connections between technology and other fields of study. Design: Students will develop an understanding of the attributes of design. Students will develop an understanding of engineering design. Abilities Of A Technological World: Students will develop abilities to apply the design process. The Designed World: Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and use transportation technologies. Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and use construction technologies.

LECTURE AND PREPARATION TIME: 15 minutes LESSON TIME: 45 minutes WORDS TO KNOW: abutment arch bridge cable-stayed bridge cantilever bridge girder pier span suspension truss