Build a Bridge

By Amy Dimmerling •

Grade Level	6-12
Subject Area	General Math and Science
Duration	Two, 80-minute Class Periods
Setting	Standard Classroom
Background Knowledge	All background knowledge needed will be presented in the lesson.
Author	Amy Dimmerling

Summary
In this activity students will be given certain materials with a cost assigned to each item. They are to create a bridge over a given span. Each bridge will be rated on its capacity to hold loads, total cost, and aesthetics. Engineers often have to choose from adequate designs by cost and aesthetics. Students will have to determine the best bridge design based on capacity, cost, and aesthetics.

Objectives
1. Students will design and construct a bridge to certain specifications. 2. Students will learn to work with constraints to come to a conclusion. 3. Students will develop team skills.

Materials Required
Packet for each group should include: 6 Popsicle sticks 20 small marshmallows 2 business cards or one index card An arm’s length of string 20 toothpicks Cut straws that can bend in thirds (2 parts without bend, 1 part with bend) - 12 parts without bend - 4 parts with bend Scissors One Handout per group Fan 3-Stamps and ink pads One small foil bread pan with blue Jell-O for each group