A WEBQUEST on Bridges

          Have you ever wondered how a bridge can hold up so much weight without collapsing?  Have you ever noticed that there are different types of bridges?  How would you go about designing and building your own bridge?  In this webquest, you will learn about different types of bridges and why different types are more suitable in certain places.  You will also learn new vocabulary that pertains to bridge building.  Other things you will learn are some of the physics principles used when building bridges to make sure they do not collapse.  Learn well, as you will use this knowledge in our final activity.

           As part of a bridge construction company, you will be assigned a specifc job.  This job may be the project manager, accountant, architect, carpenter, or transportation chief.  All team members will have the opportunity to share ideas about the best bridge design.  How will you persuade your construction team members that one type of bridge is better than another?  Use the knowledge you will gain below to make your case.

           NOTE:  After opening all the links in this assignment, use the BACK key to return to this page!

          Click on the following link to open your Data Document Sheet. Print the document, and use this sheet to record your answers as your complete the steps below.  Now cross the bridge of learning to begin your quest on bridges!

                    (click here)

          1.  Types of bridges - click on the bridge below to learn about different types of bridges.  Don't forget your Data Collection Sheet!

          2.  Forces on bridges - are you aware that there are physical forces that act on bridges?  These forces may help determine the type of bridge that is best built at a specific location.  Click on the icon below to learn about these forces.

          3.  Check this out!  Now that you have learned about the forces that act on bridges, click below to see these forces in action!

         4.  Did you know there are bridge "band-aids"?  Click below to see how a bridge is repaired!  Follow the links for "bridge band-aids.

          5.  A test!  Now that you know the basics, let's test your knowledge!  Click on the link below and help the citizens of Craggy Rock!

          6.  Another test!  Did you do well on the previous task?  Let's take another test and see how you do.  Click on the link below and follow the directions for the three steps.

          7.  Fun Facts - Click on the bridge below to learn some fascinating facts about bridges!

          8.  Are you ready?  Now it's time to build your own bridge.  Click below for some last minute tips.  There are lots of good suggestions on this site.  Remember, we will be forming construction companies and you will be building a bridge of your own design.  Will your bridge hold up the most weight?

          See the attached rubric which identifies how your webquest work will be graded. 

          Complete all the questions on the Data Collection Sheet and follow the directions for the computer activity.  Turn in your completed work for your grade!

**Teacher note:  An additional rubric will be used to determine students' application of the knowledge, analytical, and evaluation skills learned in this activity.

          Now it's time to put your knowledge to work.  You will be divided into groups of five (your construction company).  For the next eight days, you will design and build a bridge from lumber (toothpicks), welding material (glue), and suspension cable (carpet thread).  You must follow the guidelines given and build your bridge to code.  Use your knowledge to build a bridge that will win the award for strength!

          This interdisciplinary unit covers content standards from the Alabama State Courses of Study for Reading, Science, and Technology.

                 Reading -

• demonstrate the ability to construct meaning with material typically found in grade appropriate textbooks and other sources of information
• demonstrate the ability to synthesize and evaluate explicit and implicit information in a variety of reading selections
• make generalizations beyond the text                

                 Science -

• identify the engineering principles behind bridge building
• identify different types of bridges
• understand some of the physics important for designing, building, and using bridges
• become aware of the process outlining how bridges are designed and built
• explain how engineers, architects, and others who engage in design and technology use scientific knowledge to solve practical problems

                 Technology -

• cite electronic resources properly
• integrate word processing skills across the curriculum
• apply content-specific tools, software, and simulations to support learning and research
• evaluate the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems
• use telecommunications and other media to collaborate and interact with peers and other audiences following appropriate laws and regulations

       This webquest was designed by Teresa Zimmer, Gifted Enrichment and Technology Applications teacher at Carlisle Park Middle School in Guntersville, Alabama.  It is intended to be used as part of an interdisciplinary unit on bridges.  Students first read the novel, Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Patterson.  Students complete this webquest as the technology component of the unit.  Afterwards, students will utilize the knowledge learned from this quest in a cooperative learning activity in which they will build toothpick bridges.

Other resources for this unit:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/bridge.htm

http://faculty.fairfield.edu/jmac/rs/bridges.htm

http://ktca.org/newtons/12/bridges.html