Bridge Basics 10/19/2004

Today’s lesson will be an internet based research project, using several websites that will be linked here in this page. If you get lost, just head back to this page.

• Each group will be responsible for:
  - filling out the Bridge Questions sheet as they go through the websites
  - a 3 minute presentation on one of the major bridge types.
  
  Following the web-based research and group presentations we will be doing a hands-on activity to learn more about bridge designs. This will all be leading up to next week’s bridge-building contest.
  
  1. First, go to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/basics.html and read up on the different types of bridge design. Pick a type of bridge design and fill out the information on the Bridge Questions sheet in the Group Presentation section.
  
  2. Next, click on the “Bridge Challenge” link at the bottom of that webpage--or click here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/challenge/index.html for the PBS Bridge Challenge. Read each question thoroughly and examine all of your options (don’t just click on buttons). Fill in the Questions for the Bridge Challenge.
  
  3. Go to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/index.html and pick one of the famous bridges on the page. Fill in the Questions for the Famous Bridges section.
  
  4. Prepare a brief presentation for the class on the bridge type of your choice. Include the information on your Bridge Questions sheet and explain the features of each bridge type. You will also be discussing the information you found on the Famous Bridges.
  
  5. Now we will be working on a hands-on project that will allow you to design your own bridge in order to support the most weight.