Curated OER
Tension and Compression
Students experience the forces of tension and compression by manipulating objects that are strong in each but not in both. Students construct a simple model of a beam bridge.
Curated OER
Graphing Calculator Investigation - Second Degree Polynomial Functions
Students solve quadratic functions. In this solving quadratic functions lesson, students determine the height of an object at a given time. Students determine the time at which an object hits the ground. Students answer questions...
Curated OER
Application of Parabolas
Students graph quadratic equations. In this algebra lesson, students relate the parabola to real life applications. They identify the maximum and minimum of the parabola.
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Suspension Bridge Lab
This lab is designed to have students look at how the forces needed to support a suspension bridge change as the object moves across the bridge. This lab is intended to be used as a companion to a live lab with similar equipment.
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...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Build a Bridge
Survey potential bridge sites, research bridge design, and select the right bridge for the right location in this interactive activity from the NOVA: "Super Bridge" Web site.
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...
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...
Science Museum, London
Making the Modern World: Bridges
Learn all about bridges in this interactive learning module.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: The Effect of Bridge Design on Weight Bearing Capacity
This Science Buddies project asks that you identify different kinds of bridges, discover why they are built as they are, and then build three different bridges of your own out of balsa wood. See which one you think can bear the heaviest...
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.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Bridge Building Bonanza: Which Design Wins?
In this activity, you build and test two types of bridges: a simple suspension bridge and a beam bridge. Which bridge design is stronger?
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.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Bridges
Through a five-lesson series that includes numerous hands-on activities, students are introduced to the importance and pervasiveness of bridges for connecting people to resources, places and other people, with references to many...
Curated OER
Science Kids: Science Images: Suspension Bridge
This photo shows a common type of bridge known as a suspension bridge. The Clifton Suspension Bridge stretches over the River Avon in Bristol, England. It was designed by a famous civil engineer named Isambard Kingdom Brunel. For more...
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.