SLO Bridge Home Page

In this unit you will be exploring bridges. What is the purpose of a bridge? If you were building a bridge to cross a river, what things would you consider before building it? While bridges are built to allow people and vehicles to cross from one side of a span (a river, gorge, etc.) to the other, many bridges are also designed to be beautiful. In this unit you will learn about the history of bridge building, different types of bridges, and the structural aspects of bridge designs. You will take an online field trip that will end with a hands-on project to test your understanding of bridges and their design followed by a computer bridge simulator exercise. Follow the instructions at right to get started:

Step 1: Print out the BRIDGE IT worksheet and choose a partner for activities allowing group work. (elapsed time 3 minutes)

Step 2: Begin this unit by reading about different kinds of bridges and the features of each one in the article "How Bridges Work" (you can read it online or print a copy). Stop to test out examples with items found in the classroom (like creating a simple beam bridge). As you read, keep an eye out for the answers in your BRIDGE IT worksheet. Enter your responses as you find them.
(elapsed time 60 minutes)

Step 3: Next, examine these four prospective bridge sites. Then explore the types of bridges and determine the pros and cons of each. (elapsed time 15 minutes)

Step 5: Play the "Build a Bridge" site and select the right bridge for each location. (elapsed time 5 minutes)

Step 6: Take the Bridge Challenge. (elapsed time 10 minutes)

Step 7: Check out how new technologies are helping keep older bridges in shape in this movie clip. (elapsed time 2 minutes)

Step 8: Complete all four FORCES labs. (elapsed time 15 minutes)

Step 9: Complete one of the activities listed as instructed by your teacher- FORCES, BRIDGE DESIGN, SUSPENSION.
(elapsed time 10-60 minutes)

Step 10: Complete levels 1-5 of Bridge Construction Set using the directions provided. (elapsed time 30-60 minutes)

Mouse over the square to watch an introductory movie on suspension bridges.
Click the STOP button on your toolbar to pause the movie.