The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Bridging the Gap: What Is A Bridge & How To Make Them! (1 of 3)
Bridging the Gap: What's a Bridge and How to Make Them (1 of 3)
A 6th-8th Grade STEM Lesson
Adam Scafede
June 2023
Notes for Teachers
Context: This is a lesson/unit that could last 2-3 weeks depending on how many iterations and constraints you want to include in an elective class setting (this is just part of the unit).
Groups-2-4 students per group (2 is ideal if supplies allow).
Emphasize the importance of of the Research and Design and what each function each bridge has as well as working as a team and the need for it in engineering (to do this copy the direction in black and white so students have to work together and articulate which pieces are needed and really pay attention to the directions).
List of Materials
AZ Science Standards
Science Standards
7.P3U1.3 Plan and carry out an investigation that can support an evidence-based explanation of how objects on Earth are affected by gravitational force.
7.P3U1.4 Use non-algebraic mathematics and computational thinking to explain Newton’s laws of motion.
Science and Engineering Practices
AZ Engineering Standards
STANDARD 2.0 CREATE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS BY APPLYING A STRUCTURED PROBLEM-SOLVING/DECISION MAKING PROCESS
2.1 Identify the problem
2.2 Develop a problem statement based on facts, research, and experience
2.3 Explore possible issues or options to the problem
2.4 Select the best solution within the constraints and criteria
STANDARD 7.0 APPLY PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES TO ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
7.1 Determine the tools, materials, manpower, and money allocation required to manage the project
7.2 Utilize time-management techniques (e.g., prioritizing and planning, creating goals, scheduling, advocating, and taking action)
Objective(s):
In this unit we will learn about how forces build structures.
We will use the engineering and design process to build bridges, and understand basic physics principles.
Today we will collaborate and communicate effectively with our peers to complete an engineering design challenge.
Agenda (2-3 Days)
Day 1
Day 2 and 3
Instructions
In a group of 2-4, student will learn about the different types of bridges and then practice building all them with K’Nex sets per the directions given.
Students will be able to identify the types and elements of each type of bridge style.
Assessment
Build Bridges:
How do we assess our work?
Differentiation
Students can be required to only complete 3-4 of the available bridges.
Print directions in color.
�Enlarge the directions.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
Building plans are copied in black and verbal parts of the directions are removed. (Only pieces needed for that step are given.)