This activity is designed to introduce students to the history of truss designs and how they relate to bridge construction. The students explore the history of the various designs and applications. They are then tasked with selecting and building their own. Once the designs are constructed, they are tested until they fail by adding weight to each bridge. The students analyze the deficiencies of the bridge and implement engineering principles to create a more efficient design that they will construct for further testing.

Goals:

1. Expore the history of truss designs
2. Analyze various truss designs in relation to bridge construction
3. Design an original truss design to be tested

Materials & Supplies:

• Graph Paper
• Pencils
• Rulers
• Balsa Wood (1/8")
• Glue
• Testing materials (Weight to put on the bridge designs)
• Tape or straight pins
• Foam core board

Lesson Description:

For this project student are going to research the technology of bridge construction and the various designs of bridges that are in use.  Bridges are designed and constructed to support the load of everything from people, goods, and vehicles.  By completing this assignment students will explore some the history of bridges, as well as current designs and uses of these structures today.

You are to select two bridge designs and complete a summary for each of them.  In your summary you are to include the history of the bridge, uses, and current designs.  (1 page double spaced 12pt type for each summary)

• What is the history of the bridge?
• What part of the world did it originate?
• What materials are used to construct it?
• Where are some of these bridges located?
• What is this bridge generally designed to hold?
• Has the bridge been modified over time?

Be sure to include some pictures of the two bridge designs that you have selected and label any information about the picture such as its location, height, name, or span.  (Include at least 5 pictures)

Once you have finished your summaries you should begin to complete the truss design for your bridge design.  Your design should be completed in the following manner:

• Your truss should be designed on graph paper.
• The length of the truss should not be longer than 10 inches.
• The height should be no taller than 7 inches.
• The width should be not wider than 4 inches.
• You may not laminate any pieces together.
• All members should be 1/8^th of an inch in width.

Truss Design and bridge Building Project.doc