Students have been learning that all structures need to be sound (able to withstand forces), serve a purpose (shelter, transportation, etc.), and have pleasing aesthetics (looks good). We have also been learning about ways engineers are designing buildings to better withstand earthquakes.
This week students had to use what they know about strength of shapes to design structures to withstand the forces of gravity, compression, and tension. One challenge was to build the tallest structure they could out of 20 pieces of dry spaghetti and have it support the weight of a large marshmallow on top. Another design challenge was to build a structure that would support the weight of heavy textbooks only using 10 sheets of paper, tape, and paper clips. Afterwards, we tried to stand on them to see if they would support our weight!
Currently we learning about the three main forms of bridges which are beam, arched, and suspension. Students have looked and different famous bridges (engineering masterpieces) for inspiration and to discover how the use of different shapes have been utilized for strength. We are currently building our own bridge models following certain criteria. Watch for pictures soon!
This week students had to use what they know about strength of shapes to design structures to withstand the forces of gravity, compression, and tension. One challenge was to build the tallest structure they could out of 20 pieces of dry spaghetti and have it support the weight of a large marshmallow on top. Another design challenge was to build a structure that would support the weight of heavy textbooks only using 10 sheets of paper, tape, and paper clips. Afterwards, we tried to stand on them to see if they would support our weight!
Currently we learning about the three main forms of bridges which are beam, arched, and suspension. Students have looked and different famous bridges (engineering masterpieces) for inspiration and to discover how the use of different shapes have been utilized for strength. We are currently building our own bridge models following certain criteria. Watch for pictures soon!