Assembly: The Game - A bridge's strength must be built in from the bottom up
Purpose: To design a game that would require the students to assemble a bridge from the bottom up
To choose appropriate materials to build the bridges in this game
To build model bridges, label the bridge parts, and
Materials: Cardboard (medium and lightweight), plaster of Paris, glue, string, rulers, straws, protractor, pencils, and whatever else the students choose to use, plus the books from the students reading list, scissors, tape, 3 matchbox cars per group, bridge stencils, paper for labels, hole puncher, and twine.
Time: approx. 1-1/2 hours over 2-3 days Class Size: 23-26 (working in 3 groups)
Procedure:
The three bridges that will be assembled in the game are the arch, the cantilever, and the drawbridge. I have made stencils for each type of bridge. They are at the end of this unit.
Blackline masters will be included so that copies can be made on tag board or cardboard for future use of the game. Develop rules for playing the game as a class. Who wins?
The names of the three bridges will each be on a piece of cardboard. Have them face down and shuffled on a table or desk. Have a member of each group choose one. This will be the bridge their group will assemble. Each group should have all of the materials above, even if they don't need them. Refer to books, pictures, and prior lessons to make successful bridges. The finish products should hold up at least three cars.
The parts of the bridges must be cut out, folded, and glued together.
When you are done label the bridge parts and answer the questions below. Good Luck!
Assessment:
-
1. Which type of bridge did you design, cantilever, drawbridge, or arch?
-
2. How long is the span?
-
3. How wide is the roadway?
-
4. What type of abutments was used?
-
5. How high the highest point from the water level?
-
6. Was your bridge hard or easy to assemble?
-
7. Would you want to do this bridge again?
-
8. Which bridge was the easiest?
-
9. What did the bridges have in common?
-
10. What made them different?
-
11. What could you do to improve the game?
After they have completed the questions take pictures of your group and your construction.
Unit Wrap up and Extension Activities
Complete the K-W-L Chart. Answer the questions from the center column and write what you learned in the last column.
Make a box and cover for the Assembly Game.
Does the game help you better understand how bridges are put together?
Try to make a LOW bridge in your backyard. Try the suspension type.
Use rope and sticks. This would be great if you have trees that are close together.
Try to make an arch bridge using rocks from outside.
Make three (3) lists. 1) the parts of a cantilever bridge, 2) the parts of an arch bridge, and 3) the parts to a lift bridge.
Which was the easiest to make? Which was the hardest to make?
Record every bridge you cross over or go under for a week. You'll be surprised at the
actual number of bridges you pass.
What are some of the causes and effects involved with building bridges?