Bridging the Gap

NAME: ___________________

Activity One – Investigate BridgesThere are many different types of bridge. Investigate each type of bridge and write a short explanation of each one. Use

the following website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bridge/build.html

A beam bridge

An arch bridge

A cable stayed bridge

A Suspension bridge

Look at the pictures of the bridges below and answer the questions for each.

Type of bridge:Materials used:

Purpose of bridge:

Type of bridge:Materials used:Purpose of bridge:

Type of bridge:Materials used:Purpose of bridge:

Type of bridge:Materials used:Purpose of bridge:

Type of bridge:Materials used:Purpose of bridge:

Type of bridge:Materials used:Purpose of bridge:

Type of bridge:Materials used:Purpose of bridge:

Type of bridge:Materials used:Purpose of bridge:

Type of bridge:Materials used:Purpose of bridge:

Type of bridge:Materials used:Purpose of bridge:

Type of bridge:Materials used:

Purpose of bridge:Investigating Structures and Joins

In order to make a strong bridge we must ensure that the structure is strong and that any joints are as strong as possible.Investigation 1A single art straw is not very strong. Investigate ways of making it stronger. Use the following methods - using pipe cleaners, using sellotape and gluing more than one art straw together. Can you think of any other ways? Set out your page like this:

Method 1 Method 2 Method 3

Stick the strengthened art straws here.

Stick the strengthened art straws here.

Stick the strengthened art straws here.

Write here what you think about method 1 – did it work? Is it a good idea?

What would the problems be?

Write here what you think about method 2 – did it work? Is it a good idea?

What would the problems be?

Write here what you think about method 3 – did it work? Is it a good idea?

What would the problems be?

Investigation 2It is very important that any joins made are strong and will not come undone. Investigate different ways of joining two art straws. Use the following methods – using pipe cleaners, using sellotape or glue and using cardboard triangles. Can you think of any other ways? Set out your page like this:

Method 1 Method 2 Method 3

Stick the strengthened art straw joint here.

Stick the strengthened art straw joint here.

Stick the strengthened art straw joint here.

Write here what you think about method 1 – did it work? Is it a good idea?

What would the problems be?

Write here what you think about method 2 – did it work? Is it a good idea?

What would the problems be?

Write here what you think about method 3 – did it work? Is it a good idea?

What would the problems be?

Planning Your BridgeYou must plan a bridge that will carry a weighted car over a certain distance. You must make the main structure of your bridge out of art straws although you can use other materials if they are needed.

My initial ideas:

My Groups Design

Diagrams of our bridge: Design Criteria:

Resources needed:

Evaluation:

Picture of Finished Bridge

I helped with the making of our bridge by:

Things I thought went well were:

Things I would change are: