Bridge Engineering Under Constraints
Bridge Engineering Under Constraints https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/build-best-bridge Days: 2 Mode: Individual or pairs Take-home: Tested bridge prototype
Teaching & key ideas
Key concepts: Material constraints, strength-to-material ratio, load path, failure analysis.
Hook: Compare a deep folded beam and a shallow beam made from equal paper.
Test / evidence: Maximum supported mass across fixed span; note first failure location.
Variables to change: Beam depth; truss pattern; reinforcement location; deck width.
Lesson flow
Lesson plan:
Day 1: design/build
Day 2: load test + redesign
Video:
Paper Bridges STEM Activity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqYGVW2Eu6Y
Safety / cleanup:
Add mass with cup/tray rather than hands over structure.