Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Bridge Building

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Bridge the gaps in your knowledge of bridges. Individuals learn about bridge types by building models. The activity introduces beam bridges, arch bridges, truss bridges, and suspension bridges.
Lesson Plan
Scholastic

Connecting with Ruby Bridges

For Teachers 3rd - 5th Standards
When Ruby Bridges entered an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960, she also entered history. Scholars consider what the experience must have been like for the young girl using two books that document her experience as well as a double...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

The Physics of Bridges

For Students 9th - 12th
Stability is key when building a bridge. Scholars explore the forces acting upon bridges through an analysis of Newton's Laws and Hooke's Law. The activity asks individuals to apply their learning by building a bridge of their own.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Building Bridges

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students identify the different types of bridges. Using the internet, they research information on how they are built by completing a scavenger hunt. Locating a specific area, they determine which type of bridge would be appropriate and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bold Bridges

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore bridge construction. In this bridge building activity, students view bridge websites and discuss how bridges are designed and built. Students design and construct their own bridge using the directions provided.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bridge Design and Bridge Building

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders conduct an investigation into the design of bridges and their construction. Students design bridges and draw detailed plans. For assessment they construct a model of a bridge that is made entirely of toothpicks. Students...
Lesson Plan
EngageNY

Vectors and Stone Bridges

For Teachers 11th - 12th Standards
What does it take to build a stable arch? Pupils apply vectors and physics as they examine arched bridges and their structural integrity. They use vectors to represent the forces acting on the stone sections and make conclusions based on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bridge Collapse

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students read about and view a real bridge that collapsed. They examine the fundamentals of building a solid and safe bridge and then construct their own bridge model using rolled newspaper and tape.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Build and Test

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Young scholars display what they have learned about bridges as they construct their bridge. They present their projects to the rest of the class. They compare and contrast the construction of the bridges.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Toothpick Bridge Design

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders are introduced to what makes a strong, sound structure. They explore about the truss structure, the importance of the strength of the triangle and the distribution of forces along the truss. Students work in teams to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let's Build

For Teachers K - 1st
Students observe and discuss a picture of Curious George building a bridge and discuss what it means to build, plan and design a project. As a class, they list things they need to do in oder to build something and explore how a compass...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bridges- Design a Bridge

For Teachers 5th - 6th
In this bridge design worksheet, students answer 5 general questions about bridges. Students follow the directions to construct 4 types of bridges with paper and test them for strength.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bridges

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders use model-building to help comprehend the forces and phenomena at work in the world around them. They describe gravity as a universal force that pulls everything toward the center of the earth. Students distinguish between...
Lesson Plan
Advocates for Human Rights

Voices of Iraqi Refugees

For Teachers K - 12th Standards
The stated goal of this resource is to provide learners with basic facts about and build empathy for Iraqi refugees. To do so elementary classes develop a plan for how to welcome refugees to their classroom. Middle schoolers read...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Following Plans

For Teachers K
Students learn to follow a specific plan in order to do something or get somewhere. In this following directions activity, students explore key vocabulary related to following plans, complete fun activities that require attention to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Friendship Bridge

For Teachers K
Students brainstorm example of big problems and small problems. They watch a Powerpoint presentation, were the students role played everyday social problems that they had encountered. Students demonstreate using the Friendship Bridge...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Mag Mile and ... Torque!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers use paper plates and detailed directions to build a model of the Michigan Avenue Bridge's gear system. By carefully measuring and cutting "teeth" for the gears of the "Gear Train," they create small gear that will...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Anything I Can Do You Can Do Better

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students complete a two-week unit involving design and construction concepts. They watch a PowerPoint presentation about geometric shapes, draw the fourteen shapes incorporated in bridge construction, and in small groups design, build,...
Lesson Plan
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Curated OER

Allowing Students to Explore Simple Physics and Marketing in English Class

For Teachers 9th Standards
Scientific method, linear measurements, friction, inertia. Imagine learning scientific vocabulary in an ELA class. Before researching and developing a presentation about simple machines, class members build a common, but decidedly...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let's Build

For Teachers K - 1st
Learners listen as the teacher differentiates between natural and people-made items. They go outside and make lists of natural and people-made things they see. Students complete the linked worksheet by cutting and pasting as suggested by...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Building With Triangles

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders use two different techniques to construct triangles with specific dimensions. They determine how to construct nets for three-dimensional objects focusing on those made with equilateral triangles. They are able to name the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to 6th Grade Science

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders work in groups or teams. It is important that they realize that successful teams can produce greater results. Students be given a team task to construct a span with given supplies. Clear directions are given as to what to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Galloping Who?

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders do an Internet search to find out about Galloping Gertie and what caused the bridge to fail.
Lesson Plan
Project Noah

Writing Goes Wild

For Teachers 4th Standards
Young scientists develop their observation and writing skills as they craft and then post a detailed description of a plant or animal they have spotted and photographed.