Curated OER
Suspension Bridges
Young scholars explain the concepts of tension and compression, and then state the purpose of suspension bridges. They also study some of the most famous suspension bridges in North America.
Curated OER
Bridge Building, Tension, and Compression
Students demonstrate tension and compression using real world examples. In this forces lesson, students demonstrate tension on a suspension bridge. They demonstrate compression on different roof designs.
Curated OER
Suspension Bridge Building
Young scholars build a model of a suspension bridge and test the amount of weight it will support. In this engineering lesson, students study types of bridges and attempt to construct a suspension bridge shown in a diagram. They use...
Curated OER
Mystery State #16
In this mystery state worksheet, students answer five clues in an attempt to identify the state in question. Then, students locate it on a map.
Curated OER
Physical Science: Bridge Building
Students study bridges and design and build their own. They explore different types of bridges and build a basic beam bridge in pairs. After creating their beam bridge, they design a truss bridge and then build a suspension bridge and...
Curated OER
Suspension Bridge Construction
Students build a model of a suspension bridge and test the amount of weight it support. They identify different types of bridges: suspension, arch, girder, truss, cantilever, cable-stayed and moveable.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Keeping You in Suspens(ion)
Find out the different strengths of two types of bridges, beam and suspension, by building your own. This Science Buddies science project gives you the means to find out. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Golden Gate Bridge
The perfect site on the Golden Gate Bridge! PBS provides bridge math, great pictures of before, during, and after the construction of the bridge, and a special section called "Balancing Forces," that demonstrates how the "tension" of the...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Bridge Types: Tensile & Compressive Forces
Students explore how tension and compression forces act on three different bridge types. Using sponges, cardboard and string, they create models of beam, arch and suspension bridges and apply forces to understand how they disperse or...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: June 12: Roebling and the Brooklyn Bridge
Read about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, the first steel-wire suspension bridge. This site, from American Memory, has a biography of John A. Roebling, the designer of the bridge, and many links to photographs of the construction...
Next.cc
Next: Bridge Design
Investigate the three basic bridge spans by engaging in the activities provided. Includes links to explore related sites pertaining to bridge design.
Other
University of Bristol: Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge disaster was caused by wind vibrations. Wind in a valley spanned by the Tacoma Narrows Bridge causes the bridge to vibrate so much it collapsed. Shows pictures of the bridge as it is collapsing.
Other
Terragalleria: Golden Gate Bridge
This site presents a brief history and description of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's most impressive features are the wonderful images posted on two pages. Click on each image to enlarge.
PBS
Pbs Kids:activities and Videos: Structures
PBS site provides videos and activities are hands-on challenges that focus on the engineering design process. They use simple materials, allow for multiple solutions, and are ideal for ages 9-12.
PBS
Nova: Build a Bridge
This exciting and interactive site illustrates the four main types of bridge building styles. Also contains games and hands-on descriptions. Appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students.
Tech4Learning
Pics4 Learning: Images for Education: Bridges
A large collection of beautiful photos of various bridges from around the world! A visual reference for teachers and students. Browse through the examples, then click to enlarge.
Technovation
Technovation Families (Formerly Curiosity Machine)
Technovation provides hands-on STEM activities. Students will watch an inspiring video about suspension bridges. Studentswill create their own bridge that must support at least 15 pennies.
PBS
Pbs Building Big: The Brooklyn Bridge
A history of the construction and some general facts on the Brooklyn Bridge are found at this website. Not incredibly detailed, but a good reference for information.
Other
Building Mighty Mac
This resource highlights the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, a famous landmark in Michigan.
Other
Building Mighty Mac
This resource highlights the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, a famous landmark in Michigan.
Other
Fiboro Bridges Brooklyn Bridge
This site explores the quality of the bike and pedestrian paths across the Brooklyn Bridge. Also gives articles updating recent improvements to the bridge approaches.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Brooklyn Bridge
This article contains interesting facts about one of the most famous landmarks in the United States of America, the Brooklyn Bridge. Completed in 1883, it was the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world.
Merriam-Webster
Merriam Webster: Dictionary Illustration: Types of Bridges
Labeled illustration of five types of bridges: beam bridge, truss bridge, arch bridge, suspension bridge, and cable-stayed bridge.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Provides the history of the Golden Gate bridge with some interesting facts.