Bridge Structure Building Project

Bridge Structure Building Project – Gr.3 Science Miss Berndl

LEARNING TARGET: To build a structure according to specified criteria

WHAT: Build a bridge that is part of a landscape on the Planet Junkaroo.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Bridge & Landscape – due June 8, 2010
Presentation to class – describe how it was built, point out features, Q&A
Bridge Showcase Extravaganza – “Show & Tell” to Primary grades who “tour” library
Construction Manual – listing of materials & tools – done in class

DIMENSIONS

Landscape:

Footprint of Landscape: maximum dimensions 25 cm X 40 cm

Weight: can be easily carried by you without assistance

Bridge:

Height: minimum 20 cm tall

Span: 30 cm between supports

Width: 8 cm minimum

STRENGTH & STABILITY CRITERIA

	can resist the force of air from a floor-model oscillating fan at full blast
	can support a 398 mL can of beans in the middle without buckling

LANDSCAPE

	Solid base that supports the bridge
	the bridge must span a valley or going over something
	the landscape must have a theme – rural or urban

BUILDING MATERIALS: SUGGESTED

the bridge must be made of many smaller pieces, it cannot be just 1 slab of wood

	free, reused items wherever possible, junk is encouraged
	if something needs to be purchased, cannot exceed 10% of the project

wooden “timbers” - sticks, twigs, popsicle sticks, coffee stirrers, mandarin orange crate material, scrap lumber, dowels

plastic – styrofoam meat trays, strawberry baskets, large pop bottles, cable ties

	cardboard – liquor boxes, pizza boxes
	pasta – spaghetti, linguini, shells, lasagna

metal – clothes hangers, tin cans, pop cans, twist ties

FASTENERS: SUGGESTED

use a variety – shows that you understand that there are different ways to connect materials
(similar to ones that are used in real construction)

nails, screws, nut & bolts

paper clips, staples, string

glue, modelling clay

tape – duct, masking, packaging

CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS: TRY TO INCLUDE SOME OF THESE

arches

trusses

Use Google Images and look for “bridge designs” for inspirations