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How can we design a bridge or structure that is both cost-effective and strong enough to withstand external forces like earthquakes?

Design a bridge

Duration

3 - 6 weeks

Group Size

4 - 5 students

Grade Level

High School, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Subjects

Engineering, Physics, Science
$8.00

Project Description

This project teaches students about structural engineering, materials science, and budgeting by having them design, build, and test a small-scale bridge model. It aligns with both Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and includes detailed rubrics to provide feedback and help students improve their performance.

Why Use this Project?

This lesson plan provides a hands-on, real-world STEM experience that engages students in critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. By simulating a real-world engineering challenge, students learn how to balance design, cost, and performance while developing their communication and presentation skills. The inclusion of standards alignment and rubrics ensures that the project meets educational requirements and provides structured feedback to help students grow. This project empowers students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context, making it an excellent choice for any STEM classroom.

What's Included

  • General Guidelines:
    Provides an outline for managing the project, from research to construction and testing.
  • Brainstorming:
    Encourages creative thinking with structured brainstorming techniques to generate innovative bridge designs.
  • Project Planning and Designing:
    Guides students through setting goals, creating tasks, designing the bridge, and developing a plan for its construction.
  • Project Execution:
    Instructs students on building their bridge models, managing their tasks, and testing the designs under earthquake conditions.
  • Experimenting:
    Details the process for testing the structural strength of their bridge models using a shake table and comparing materials and costs.
  • Presentation: Students choose one of three presentation methods (slide decks, videos, or live presentations) to showcase their project findings.
$8.00

One-time purchase, lifetime access