Bridge Design Webquest Jonathan Stacey EDU 505 Phase

Bridge Design Webquest Jonathan Stacey EDU 505

Phase 1: The strength of different geometric shapes. Websites to look at: http: //www. pbs. org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/shapes. html Task 1: Use the paper, straws, and pipe cleaners to build each shape. Apply pressure to the top and see how much strength it takes to crush each shape. What shape is the strongest? What was the weakest point on each shape? Record your observations in your engineering notebook.

Cincinnatus Technology Bridge Engineers Task: You have been hired as an structural engineer to construct a new bridge. As an engineer you must evaluate different designs and materials and select the best option with the lowest cost. Over the next few days you will conduct research and experiments to learn about how bridges are designed and built. Use the websites and videos provided to learn about types of bridges and how to design a bridge that will be strong enough to withstand the forces acting upon it. Record what you learn in your engineering notebook.

Phase 1: The strength of different geometric shapes. Some shapes are stronger than others when used to build structures. Investigate and test different shapes to see which are the strongest for building a bridge. Make a prediction: Which shape do you think will be the strongest?

Phase 2: Types of Bridges Throughout history people have developed several different types of bridges using a variety of materials. Today you should use the provided resources to research the different types of bridges. On the bridge evaluation form discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each type of bridge.

Phase 2: Types of Bridges

Phase 2: Types of Bridges Websites to look at: http: //www. pbs. org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/basics. html http: //www. historyofbridges. com/facts-about-bridges/types-ofbridges/ https: //sites. google. com/a/wyckoffschools. org/stem-grade-8/2 types-of-bridges http: //www. kidsdiscover. com/shop/issues/bridges-for-kids/ Try these simple bridge building games: http: //www. engineering. com/Games. Puzzles/Bridge. Builder/tabid/5 172/Default. aspx http: //www. candystand. com/play/bridgecraft

Phase 3: The forces acting upon a bridge. A bridge must be designed and built to withstand all of the forces that act upon it. Gravity is always working to pull the bridge down. Bridges must be built to withstand the force of gravity and support the load of the traffic traveling over the bridge. Today you should investigate the forces that act upon a bridge so that you can apply them to your design. Compression Tension

Phase 3: The forces acting upon a bridge. Websites to look at: http: //science. howstuffworks. com/engineering/civil/bridge 2. htm http: //www. garrettsbridges. com/design/theforces/ http: //www. pbs. org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/forces. html

Phase 4: Apply your research to design ad test a virtual bridge. Take a look at how engineers built the worlds tallest bridge! Now you try it! Review the directions on how to use Bridge Designer 2015 software. Use Bridge Designer 2015 to build a working bridge using the least amount of money. https: //bridgecontest. org/questions/using-the-bridge-designer-software/

The next step: Design and test a model bridge Congratulations! Now that you have successfully researched bridges and designed a virtual bridge you will construct a scale model of your bridge. It should span a distance of 18 inches. You will use toothpicks and glue to construct your model. Once your model is complete we will test them to see how much weight it can hold and evaluate its weak points. https: //sites. google. com/site/virtualengineerwebquest/toothpick-bridge

Evaluation Criteria Needs Improvement 0 Satisfactory Good Excellent 1 3 4 Experimented with different geometric shapes and recorded observations Did not complete work in notebook Completed parts of the work with many errors Completed work with some errors Produced a model of each shape and recorded observation in notebook Students discuss different types of bridges in notebook Did not complete work in notebook Completed parts of the work with many errors Completed work with some errors Created a chart showing types of bridges and provided a written description of each Explained and illustrated the forces of compression and tension Did not complete work in notebook Completed parts of the work with many errors Completed work with some errors Accurately described and illustrated the forces of compression and tension Completed a working bridge on Bridge Designer Did not make an effort to produce a working bridge Completed parts of the work with many errors Completed work with some errors Created a working model and experimented to minimize costs

Teacher Page This activity is intended for middle school technology students, but could be used in other settings as well. The webquest will take 3 -4 days so that the students can learn the basic concepts physics and design related to bridges. The webquest will be followed up by an activity were the students design and test model bridges built from toothpicks and glue. The bridge will be tested to see how much weight it could hold.