Building Bridges to Knowledge

The word “bridge” comes from the Germanic term for beam. Bridges can be found on the road, but also in politics and other negotiations as well as in your mouth and as a card game. Let’s stick to the road this time, though, by focusing on bridges used in transportation. These activities will bridge your knowledge.

CONNECT:

• Get down to basics about bridges at http://pghbridges.com/basics.htm
• How long can a bridge be? Why would a bridge make someone seasick? Find out when you check out these bridges: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/index.html
• What makes bridges so strong? Watch for the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVOnRPefcno
• Compare bridge structures at http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/engineering/bridgebuilding.html
• This video shows you that bridges can be beautiful: https://youtu.be/SsUglw23i0g. Which is your favorite?
• Trace the history of bridges at http://theconstructor.org/structures/history-of-bridges/5491/

CREATE:

• Create a trivia game about bridges by using these fun facts about bridges: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/engineering/bridges.html https://youtu.be/SsUglw23i0g and https://kidskonnect.com/science/bridges/
• Learn how bridges work by making your own suspension bridge: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/act_suspension_ei.html
• Test bridge designs following the directions at http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/26605/build-a-bridge
• Can you build a bridge that withstands an earthquake? http://www.eduweb.com/portfolio/bridgetoclassroom/engineeringfor.html
• Build a virtual bridge at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p1.html

CARE:

• What about animals that need to cross the road? There are life-saving wildlife crossings. See some at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6lWv8enIAw
• Covered bridges are a national treasure. Help preserve these historical landmarks at http://www.coveredbridgesociety.org
• Especially in the winter season, you need to be cautious about bridges. See why – and what you can do at http://icyroadsafety.com/icybridges.shtml
• Bridges can be dangerous! Watch and read about how air can destroy a bridge – especially Galloping Gertie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XggxeuFDaDU
• and https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/TNBhistory/Machine/machine3.htm

CAREERS:

Bridge-related jobs will always be needed. Check out these options:

http://bridges.gbaps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=571916&pageId=6419602

https://www.nsta.org/middleschool/connections/201412TNTStudentPacket.pdf

https://www.theguardian.com/careers/architecture-career-options