Submitted by: Kenneth Bouwens
School: John Rolfe Middle School
Summary
This lesson was developed for Technology Foundations grade 8, but parts or all of it could easily be adapted for a science or a math class. This was developed to be a cross-curriculum S.T.E.M activity that is emerged in engineering, design and problem solving. Students will synthesize information to understand the concepts of bridge design and construction by leaning about the scientific concepts behind bridges and the mathematics/engineering involved in bridge design, planning and construction.
TIPC Ratings
Approaching: The students use both internet research and library resources to compile information into a digital presentation. They then use that knowledge to select the bridge type they wish to construct.
Developing: The students use PowerPoint to communicate their knowledge of bridge concepts and design. They also communicate through sketching and drawing. The students must also work in teams to produce a final project.
Approaching: Students use a collaboration of their research on bridges, their design testing and the problem constraints to come up with an original design that solves the problem of spanning two distances.
Approaching: The students use the information they have learned about bridges along with their analysis and experimentation with West Point Bridge Designer to create an original bridge design. They test the bridge and rework to make the most efficient design.
Student Artifact
Download Files
- Lesson Plan
- Pictures of Student Creations
- Project Descriptions
- Introductory Power Point
- Parts list
