Building a BridgeMr. SlavinskyWalter Reed Middle School8th Grade Physical Science

Warm-Up

Describe 1 type of bridge that you have seen. Sketch a picture.

Objective:

Students will learn about the 4 types of bridges and their strengths and weaknesses. Students will create a bridge that

will be able to sustain the greatest weight.

Beam Bridge

Cable-Stayed

Arch Bridge

Suspension Bridge

Human Bridge

1. Pairs of students face each other with palms touching about 1 ½ feet apart.

2. Move feet back while keeping palms touching until you cannot back up any more/balanced bridge.

a. Where on the bridge do you feel compression/tension?

3. Have one person move 2 steps to the left.

a. What happens to the balance of the bridge?

Groups

Groups of 3 No group changes without

teacher consent

@ Home

I. Go to: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bridge/

II. Complete “Which Bridge” worksheet.

I. Due Tomorrow

III. Play “Build a Bridge Game”I. Record answers on worksheet.

Build a Bridge

Students will have access to: Popsicle Sticks White Glue

Time Requirements: 1 Day to sketch blueprint 2 Days to complete bridge

Build a Bridge

All bridges MUST be: Made entirely of popsicle sticks

and white glue. Able to span a 40 cm gap. Have a mass less than 100g Have a whole in the middle that is

at least 4 cm in diameter so that the testing bar can be inserted.

Bridge Testing

Bridge Testing Worksheet

Grading

Which Bridge Worksheet – 20 points Blueprint – 30 points Bridge Testing Worksheet – 20

points Participation – 30 points Bridge – 100 points

1-2 place: 100 points 3-4 place: 85 points 5-6 place: 75 points 7-8 place: 65 points >9 place: 50 points No Bridge = 0 points