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OBJECTIVES:
Bridges are structures which carry people and vehicles across natural
or man-made obstacles. There are many types of
bridges. Based on the length of the barrier to be
crossed, the amount and type of traffic as well as
forces of nature (wind, tide, flood) different
materials and shapes of bridges are used.
In this lesson your team will learn to recognize several different
types of bridges and design and construct a model.
STEPS TO FOLLOW:
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For the lesson presenter: to better assist the students,
have 1 engineer facilitator for every 4 students.
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Engineers often work in teams and begin the design of a project by
making sketches and
computer drawings to save time and money.
Form teams of 2-3 students.
Spend 5-10 minutes to sketch out some designs of
a bridge you would like to build on large note paper (or chalk
board if available).
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MATERIALS:
For each team of 2-3 students:
Large Note Paper Or Chalk and Chalkboard
2 Heavy Books
2-3 Pencils
Safety Scissors
Masking or Cellophane Tape
Box Of Straight Straws
50' Ball of String
1/4 - 5 Pound Weights Such As Books, Coffee Can, Rock)
Force Gauge
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When your team has agreed on a design, use the box of straws,
tape, string and scissors to build your bridge.
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Set your bridge between the two heavy books. Use the force gauge or weights to
see how much weight each bridge can hold before bending or breaking.
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Discuss your team's results with other teams. Which bridge held the
most weight? Why do you think it held the
most weight? How could the other bridges be improved?
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