Bridges

Background

Students will apply their knowledge of forces, 2d and 3d geometry, and engineering principles to design bridges. Their goal will be to design and build the bridge with the highest strength:weight ratio. Students will learn about essential geometric concepts, bridge forces and types, and some of the career applications of these skills. Through multiple drafts, research and connection with professionals, students will revise their designs. Then, using hand-and-digital design tools and the laser cutter, students will build their bridges, and compete for the title of Strongest Bridge. 

Target Grade(s)

7th grade

Standards

Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume and surface area of 2D and 3D objects (7.G.B)

Solve problems involving scale models of figures (7.G.A)

Draw, construct, and describe geometrical figures and describe the relationship between them  (7.G.A)

Use angle properties to find unknown angles in a figure (7.G.B)

Analyze and write proportions to solve real-world problems (7.RP.A)

CTE Skills

Design with detail

• Measure Accurately 

• Design with precision

• Assess and Revise

Create a Functional Product

• Function: bridge that has a high strength:weight ratio 

Reflect on the Process

Present Learning/Product