The Parabolic Bridge Project:Use of Parabolas in Bridge Design

by Dr. K. VanFleet

Pre-Project Educational Requirements

Students must have knowledge of the following algebraic concepts:

• solving quadratic equations and inequalities by factoring and through the use of the quadratic formula

• graphing both quadratic equations and quadratic inequalities

I. Technological Component Kinds of Bridges http://bridgepros.com/learning_center/

BeamArchSuspensionPontoon

http://dmoz.org/Kids_and_Teens/School_Time/ Science/Technology/Buildings_and_Bridges/Article by Michael Morrissey http://www.howstuffworks.com/bridge.htm click on arch bridges, suspension bridges

I. Technological Component How Bridges Work

article by Michael Morrisseyhttp://www.howstuffworks.com/bridge.htm • additional bridge forces• use of iron• solid surfaces

I. Technological Component Flaws in Bridge Building

http://www.teachingtools.com/Slinky/engineers.html

I. Technological Component Engineering as a Career

Components:Arch or SuspensionTypes of metalThickness of metalStabilityExpense

I. Technological Component West Point Bridge Designer Students as Engineers use computer software

to design and test bridge stability

I. Technological Component

Review quadratic inequalities, which would be suitable for use in the design of a suspension or arch bridge.

• http://matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/frames_asid_109_g_4_t_2.html?open=activities

II. Creative ComponentEach student must choose one of the following: a) Build a Model of a Bridge OR

b) Create a 3-D Poster of a Bridge

II. Creative Component A) Build a 3-D Model

Guidelines

• Type: Arch or Suspension Bridge

• Materials: toothpicks, popsicle sticks, wire, glue

• Required Length: 1 foot

• Required Width: min. 2 ½ in. up to a max. of 6 in.

II. Creative Component B) Create a 3-D poster

Guidelines• Create a 3-D poster of an arch or suspension bridge • Materials: 1 full-size sheet of poster paper• Requirements:

a) a quadratic inequality representative of the bridge design,

b) colorful,

c) attached decoration to create 3-D effect such as moss,

pebbles, etc.

II. Creative Component Finished products submitted by the following 9th grade students:

Tyler Fields

Mary Beth Nichols

Logan Lovvorn

3-D Bridge ModelDesigned by Tyler Fields

3-D Bridge PosterDesigned by Mary Beth Nichols

3-D Bridge Model Designed by Logan Lovvorn