Cornell University
The Physics of Bridges
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.
DiscoverE
Build a Bridge
Cost overruns are unacceptable—in the real world and in an engaging activity. Groups of pupils get together to build a bridge out of straws, paper cups, and tape. They keep track of costs ($1,000 for each material) and must stay within a...
Teach Engineering
Straw Bridges
Pairs work as engineering teams to design and build model bridges from drinking straws and tape. In this third segment in a series of 10, teams compete in an attempt to build the strongest bridge. To help with the design, the groups...
Cornell University
Bridge Building
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.
Museum of Science
Straw Bridges
There is never a bridge too far. Using common items, class members build bridges to span an opening. Pupils test different geometric shapes to determine which is the strongest. Learners use pennies to find the strength of their bridges...
Curated OER
Bridge Builders
Students research bridges from around the world looking for the Parisian architecture. They identify arch, suspension, cable and covered bridges. They draw half a bridge utilizing Crayola Erasable Markers. They construct their bridge...
Curated OER
Suspension Bridge
Students view a video clip about suspension bridges. They discover what forces support this type of bridge. They build their own suspension bridge using classroom materials.
Curated OER
Bridges
Learners compare and contrast the three primary types of bridges. In this technology lesson, students design and build a bridge that spans 25 cm. They test their design and present the results to class.
Curated OER
Bridge Building
Students explore bridges and how they are constructed. After reviewing materials on bridges, they work in groups to record their findings. They design and construct a bridge using K'NEX or straws and predict which bridge will hold the...
Curated OER
Many Kinds of Bridges
Young scholars examine how there are many elements that need to be considered before building a bridge. Groups are given materials and they are to make a structure that can hold an object in suspension.
Curated OER
Bridge Construction
Students build a model of a bridge and test the amount of weight it support. They identify different types of bridges: suspension, arch, girder, truss, cantilever, cable-stayed and moveable.
Curated OER
Toothpick Bridge Design
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...
Curated OER
A Bridge in Balance
Students explore how the Michigan Avenue Bridge works and the
importance of it being perfectly balanced. They make a model of a bascule trunnion bridge and balance their bridge by calculating the weight
of the necessary counter weight.
Curated OER
Bridges
Students are introduced to the different types, designs and nature of bridges. They observe a historical look at the bridges in and around the Pittsburgh area through a video presentation. Connections are made between science and...
Curated OER
Straw Shapes
Students view a video on bridges and domes. They discuss the importance of shapes, especially triangles for these structures. They participate in an activity in which they create their own dome out of paper clips.
Curated OER
Bold Bridges
For this science worksheet, students collaborate in performing an investigation regarding the best bridge construction for maximum strength. Students build several designs of bridges out of pins, straws, fishing line, and small Styrofoam...
Curated OER
Building a Bridge
Third graders discover architecture and functionality by constructing a bridge. In this bridge engineering lesson, 3rd graders utilize cardboard, straws, towel tubes and plastic bottles to create a model bridge similar to ones seen in...
Curated OER
Bridges
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...
DiscoverE
Build a High Dive
Can't build a cantilever? You'll be able to after a hands-on, constructive activity. Young engineers build cantilevers out of straws and tape. The finished products must be able to hang off a table as far as possible.
Curated OER
Introduction to 6th Grade Science
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...
Curated OER
Construct with Solids
Students discover which properties of solids lend themselves to building a tower through hands on trial and error and observation of others as they are building. They write down the steps it took them to build the tower and label an...
Curated OER
The Three Billy Goats Gruff Activity Card
For this reading worksheet, students respond to the book The Three Billy Goats Gruff by completing an activity at home with a parent. Students cut out the 2 characters and staple them to a straw. Students act out the story with a parent...
Curated OER
Towers
Sixth graders study the different methods to build a shake table. In this earthquake lesson students build their own shake table and experiment with their own structure design.
Middle Tennessee State University
A House Divided: The Civil War Home Front in Tennessee
To broaden their understanding of both the short term and long terms effects of the Civil War, class groups examine primary source materials and then assume the role of a family member and draft a letter to a soldier describing life at...