Fair Haven Community and the Grand Avenue Bridge
Saundra Stephenson
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Mathematics is becoming more and more of a challenge to teach. Teachers are always looking for innovative ways to make mathematics challenging, engaging, effective, appreciated, and fun. The study of the Grand Avenue Bridge alone has so much excitement to offer, being a movable truss bridge that has now been preserved as a historical bridge, along with the community involvement from its first inception. The formulas used for construction of a particular design include geometry of frame, forces/fractions, slopes/angels and torque of rotation. There are many mathematical learning components of bridges: fractions, ratio-proportions, angles, and slopes. Using a multi-disciplinary hands on and interactive approach developed around the architecture of bridges teamwork among students will be key. In this project the students will construct a model of one of the many Fair Haven bridges; confidence will be built as students create a bond while designing and constructing this project together.