Created byDan Thomas

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Balsa Wood Bridges

Grade 7TechnologyOther4 days

The Balsa Wood Bridges project challenges 7th graders to design, construct, and test a model bridge using balsa wood while integrating principles of physics and engineering. Students begin by investigating historical bridge failures, focusing on the physical forces and community impacts involved. They then proceed to create blueprints, construct prototypes, and conduct tests to evaluate their bridges' structural soundness. The project culminates in a multimedia presentation where students propose optimized bridge designs, addressing both engineering principles and community considerations.

PhysicsEngineeringBridge DesignBalsa WoodStructural SoundnessCommunity ImpactPrototype Testing

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a balsa wood bridge that effectively integrates principles of physics and engineering to ensure structural soundness while considering its impact on the community?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What physical forces act on a bridge, and how do these affect its design and stability?
How can materials like balsa wood be utilized effectively in engineering and design?
What factors must be considered when creating a structurally sound bridge?
How does an understanding of geometry and physics contribute to building stronger bridges?
In what ways can technology and engineering principles be applied to solve real-world problems through bridge design?
How do bridges impact communities in terms of economics, culture, and transportation?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will understand and apply principles of physics, such as force, tension, and compression in the design of a bridge.
Students will explore the properties and engineering applications of balsa wood and other materials.
Students will utilize geometry and spatial reasoning to design and build a stable and efficient bridge.
Students will evaluate real-world engineering problems and devise solutions using technology and engineering principles.
Students will investigate the impact of bridge construction on community dynamics, including economic, cultural, and transportation factors.

NGSS

MS-ETS1-1

Primary

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.Reason: This standard is directly aligned with the project's focus on designing a balsa wood bridge that considers physics principles, engineering constraints, and community impact.

MS-ETS1-3

Primary

Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.Reason: The project requires students to test different designs and refine their bridge models, aligning well with this standard.

International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Standards for Technological Literacy

STL.7

Primary

The design process includes defining the problem, conducting research, generating ideas, selecting a solution, building a prototype, testing and evaluating, and communicating results.Reason: Students engage in a full design process from conceptualization to implementation and evaluation.

Common Core Standards for Mathematics

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6

Secondary

Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume and surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms.Reason: This standard supports the geometric reasoning components of the project, particularly in designing the bridge structure.

Common Core Standards for English Language Arts

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1

Supporting

Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.Reason: Students will need to justify their design choices, especially in terms of community impact and engineering soundness.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Breaking News: Bridge Collapse Mystery

A news report reveals a bridge collapse in a simulated locale, and students are tasked as the investigators to figure out what went wrong. They must research bridge failures, experiment with balsa wood constructions, and present solutions to prevent future collapses.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Bridge Failure Investigation

Students will step into the shoes of engineers to investigate famous bridge failures. This initial activity breaks the ice and provides context for identifying common issues in bridge designs, facilitating understanding of constraints and criteria.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research three famous bridge failures and note the specific physical forces that contributed to their collapse.

2. Select one bridge failure to focus on and create a detailed case study highlighting the issues and effects on the community.

3. Present the case study and discuss potential preventative measures that could have been used.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA case study presentation detailing a specific bridge failure, its causes, and preventative strategies.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with MS-ETS1-1 by defining criteria and constraints, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1 by requiring a reasoned argument.

Activity 2

Blueprint Brainstorm

In this creative brainstorming session, students conceptualize and sketch initial designs for their balsa wood bridge, integrating their findings from the Bridge Failure Investigation.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Review the forces acting on bridges and consider the lessons learned from the investigation.

2. Begin sketching initial blueprints of a bridge model utilizing geometric shapes and principles.

3. Discuss the potential impact on the community, factoring in economic, cultural, and transportation considerations.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityInitial blueprint sketches with annotations on design choices and community impact.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6 for geometric planning and MS-ETS1-1 with an emphasis on constraints and impacts.

Activity 3

Prototype Construction

Students will advance to constructing a balsa wood prototype of their bridge, applying their sketches and exploring the material's properties.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Gather balsa wood and tools necessary for construction, reviewing safety protocols.

2. Construct the bridge according to the initial blueprint.

3. Assess the prototype, noting structural strengths and weaknesses.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA constructed prototype of a balsa wood bridge ready for testing.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers STL.7 for the practical application of the design process and MS-ETS1-1 by implementing a prototype based on constraints and scientific principles.

Activity 4

Testing & Analysis

Students test their bridge prototypes by applying simulated weights and document the results to understand design effectiveness.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Identify tests that will evaluate the bridge's structural soundness (e.g., applying weight, checking stability).

2. Conduct tests, documenting data related to stress points and maximum load capacity.

3. Analyze data to identify strengths and weaknesses in the design.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report with testing data, analysis of the bridge’s performance, and recommendations for improvement.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRelated to MS-ETS1-3 by analyzing test data and proposing combined solutions, and supported by CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1 for crafting an argument based on evidence.

Activity 5

Community Impact Presentation

Reflecting on their entire project, students will prepare a comprehensive presentation tying together engineering principles, prototype results, and community considerations.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Revise the initial case study with insights from prototype testing and analysis.

2. Design a multimedia presentation incorporating all stages of the project.

3. Present findings and propose an optimized bridge design to peers, addressing community impact.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multimedia presentation presenting an optimized bridge design with justifications, tests results, and community considerations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDraws on CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1 for well-structured arguments and MS-ETS1-3 to showcase improved solutions.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Balsa Wood Bridge Design Project Rubric

Category 1

Understanding of Physical Forces and Engineering Principles

Assesses the student's grasp of physics concepts and engineering principles in the context of bridge design and their application to the project.

Criterion 1

Analysis of Bridge Failures

Evaluates the ability to research and analyze historic bridge failures, highlighting understanding of physical forces involved.

Exemplary

4 Points

Thoroughly analyzes three bridge failures with a detailed understanding of physical forces and effects on the community, offering insightful preventative strategies.

Proficient

3 Points

Adequately analyzes three bridge failures with a clear understanding of physical forces, offering reasonable preventative strategies.

Developing

2 Points

Analyzes two bridge failures with a basic understanding of physical forces, offering limited preventative strategies.

Beginning

1 Points

Analyzes one bridge failure with minimal understanding of physical forces, offering vague preventative strategies.

Criterion 2

Application of Geometric and Structural Concepts

Assesses the use of geometric and structural knowledge in the design and blueprint stage of the bridge.

Exemplary

4 Points

Blueprint shows complex geometric planning with detailed annotations explaining structural integrity and community impact.

Proficient

3 Points

Blueprint shows clear geometric planning with annotations explaining basic structural integrity and community impact.

Developing

2 Points

Blueprint shows basic geometric planning with limited annotations on structure and impact.

Beginning

1 Points

Blueprint lacks clarity in geometric planning and provides minimal annotations.

Category 2

Engineering Design and Testing Process

Evaluates the effective application of engineering design, construction, and testing processes in the creation of a balsa wood bridge.

Criterion 1

Prototype Construction and Evaluation

Assesses the ability to construct a prototype and evaluate its performance through testing and analysis.

Exemplary

4 Points

Prototype construction and evaluation are meticulous, with detailed analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and insightful improvement strategies.

Proficient

3 Points

Prototype is well-constructed with adequate analysis of performance and clear improvement suggestions.

Developing

2 Points

Prototype shows basic construction with limited analysis and improvement suggestions.

Beginning

1 Points

Prototype construction is incomplete with minimal analysis and improvement suggestions.

Category 3

Communication and Impact Evaluation

Assesses the ability to communicate project findings effectively and evaluate the social, economic, and cultural impact of bridge designs.

Criterion 1

Presentation of Findings

Evaluates the quality of the multimedia presentation and its content, clarity, and argumentation regarding impact and improvement.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presentation is highly engaging, with a well-structured, clear argument that expertly integrates engineering insights and community impact.

Proficient

3 Points

Presentation is clear, structured, and effectively communicates important findings and impacts.

Developing

2 Points

Presentation conveys basic findings and impact assessment but lacks depth and clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Presentation lacks structure, coherent argumentation, and clear impact assessment.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on your experience designing a balsa wood bridge. What were the most critical challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Text

Required

Question 2

How well do you feel you applied physics principles, such as force, tension, and compression, in your bridge design?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which aspect of the bridge project did you find most engaging, and why?

Text

Optional

Question 4

Consider the impact of bridge construction on communities. How did your design project change your perspective on this topic?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Increased awareness of economic impacts

Greater understanding of cultural significance

Realized the importance of transportation needs

Learned about environmental considerations

Question 5

Reflect on how your initial blueprint ideas changed after prototype testing and analysis. What were the most significant changes you made, and why?

Text

Required