School/District Representative: Connie Blaine
SLO Project Name: Bridge Design and Construction
Authored by: Connie Blaine
E-mail: cforttre@mum.neric.org
Homepage address: elcs.neric.org
Grade Level(s): 7-8
Subject Area(s): Technology, Introductory Internet
Objective (Learning context):
This unit is designed as an online supplement for middle school students and teachers who wish to expand their knowledge of bridge design and construction with the use of the Internet and supplemental materials. It provides a topic appropriate reading assignment and assessment, an several interactive classroom activities, and activities for additional study. An instruction page with step-by step directions is also provided to guide the student through this self-paced module which is designed to take 5-6 class periods to complete.
Assessment scores are given for the post reading activity and the additional acitivty(ies) selected for completion from Step 8.
Prior knowledge:
Students should be familiar with the concept of construction and ideally have completed reading Chapter 10- Construction from Living with Technology. Basic Windows skills and familiarity with using a web browser are prerequisites. Students should also have the ability to follow instructions independently of classroom supervision.
Subsequent knowledge:
 | Students will become familiar with common terminology applying to bridges. |
| Students will be match suitable bridge designs to sample locations and justify their choice. |
| Students will utilize critical thinking. |
| Students will be aware of the pros and cons of each design and be able to discuss them. |
Procedure:
Specific activity:
This online module is designed to be completed in approximately 4 hours.
- Read the Instructions page completely.
- Watch the movie available at the homepage.
- Assignment: Return to the top and complete the reading assignment "How Bridges Work" (it is suggested that students take notes on vocabulary they are not familiar with and complete the written assessment as they work.)
- Proceed to the "Build a Bridge" game, examine the locations provided and review the types of bridges. Play the game.
- Continue to the "Bridge Challenge" and complete it.
- Watch the second movie clip in Step 7.
- Activity: Students should read the instructions for the activity(ies) selected by the teacher and begin work with a partner on completing it.
- Students should submit their written assignment and rubric at the end of the unit for scoring.
Instructional Modifications:
Some students may benefit from printing a hard copy of all materials for this unit.
Headphones are suggested for students with hearing disabilities for the "movie" portions of this unit which has sound.
Time Required: approx. 4 hours.
Resources (materials):
Websites utilized:
Start at:
http://elcs.neric.org/faculty/Ms.%20Blaine/Technology/BridgeSLO/bridgehome.html
External Sites:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/challenge/multi/index.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/index.html
Learning Standards Referenced: MST- Standard 5
Engineering Design
|
Key Idea: Engineering design is an iterative process involving modeling and optimization used to develop technological solutions to problems within given constraints. |
Computer Technology
| Key Idea: Computers, as tools for design, modeling, information processing, communication, and system control, have greatly increased human productivity and knowledge. |
Management of Technology
| Key Idea: Project management is essential to ensuring that technological endeavors are profitable and that products and systems are of high quality and built safely, on schedule, and within budget. |
Performance Indicators:
Engineering Design
| in a group setting, test their
solution against design specifications, present and evaluate results,
describe how the solution might have been modified for different or
better results, and discuss tradeoffs that might have to be made |
| identify needs and opportunities for technical solutions from an investigation of situations of general or social interest |
Computer Technology
| use a computer system to connect to and access needed information from various Internet sites |
Management of Technology
| manage time and financial resources in a technological project |
Assessments:
- Successful completion of "BRIDGEIT" written assignment.
- Completion of interactive online activities.
- Successful completion of one of the closure design activity.
Exemplars:
- Student is able to navigate through activity with minimal technical difficulty.
- Student is able to monitor and adjust his/her use of time.
- Pupil can define terms encountered during this unit.
- Student considers design factors (i.e. torsion, shearing) in the closure activity.
Reflections:
This module has utility across the curriculum.
How Bridges Work | Build A Bridge | Bridge Challenge | Forces Lab Glossary | Bridge Home | SLO Guide