Bridge Investigation Journal Math Enrichment 2006-2007 By:
This is your journal to collect your thoughts and findings as you investigate each different type of bridge. Be sure to answer each question appropriately, and to be detailed in your response. Student Journal Expectations: 1- That you will always have your journal available for recording information. 2- You will begin each investigation by recording your initial thoughts. 3- You will conclude each investigation by reflecting upon your initial thought, and the investigation itself. 4- You will use the journal to connect the models you have built, the experiments you conduct, and how the information is applied to the real-world.
Index Beam Bridge………………………. Page Truss Bridge………………………. Page Cantilever Bridge…………………. Page Bascule Bridge…………………….. Page Arch Bridge……………………….. Page Suspension Bridge………………… Page Cable Stayed Bridge ……………... Page
Beam Bridge
What I already know about a beam bridge…………….
Questions I have about beam bridges………………….
In your opinion, what will happen to the load carrying ability of the bridge as it becomes longer?
Load vs. Bridge Length Use the space below to record your observations through notes and/or annotated drawings as you investigate the connection between load and length.
Data Table As you work to complete Inquiry Activity II, create a data table below to record your findings. Your table should look like the following:
Short Span Bridge Bridge Parts that bend Piers move apart Long Span Bridge Bridge Parts that bend Piers move apart
Weight
Weight
Weight
Weight
Weight
Weight
Weight
Weight
Weight
Weight
Beam Bridge Data Table:
In your opinion, how do the two versions of the bridge compare to each other?
What observations did you make after removing the decking and applying pressure directly to the connectors?
Applying the Idea Use the space below to answer the assessment activities. Be complete with your answers.
Reflection: Looking back at the questions I had about a beam bridge, I now know that….
Truss Bridge
What I already know about a truss bridge…………….
Questions I have about truss bridges………………….
At what weight does the bridge fail with its truss structure?
At what weight does the bridge fail without its truss structure?
How strong is the bridge without its truss structure?
Name of Bridge Design Warren Truss Howe Truss Baltimore Truss
Maximum Load (weight)
Number of Triangles in Structure
What observations did you make about the three different bridge designs?
What observations did you make about the relationship between the number of triangles in a structure and the weight tolerance? Explain your thinking
Do you think the testing of the strength of the bridge was a fair test? Why or why not and explain.
How are beam bridges and truss bridges alike and how are they different?
Applying the Idea Use the space below to answer the assessment activities. Be complete with your answers.
Reflection: Looking back at the questions I had about a truss bridge, I now know that….
Cantilever Bridge
What I already know about a cantilever bridge…………….
Questions I have about cantilever bridges………………….
Inquiry Activity I: In the space below answer the questions from the inquiry activity
Inquiry Activity II: Compare the cantilever bridge with the other two bridge types already studied. Use the three way Venn Diagram to show your comparisons.
Observations:
Image: Draw a picture of a cantilever bridge. Label the parts of the bridge that are under compression and the parts that are an example of tension.
Conclusion: Is the cantilever bridge an example of a stable or unstable structure? Explain your reasoning.
Applying the Idea Use the space below to answer the assessment activities. Be complete with your answers.
Reflection: Looking back at the questions I had about cantilever bridges, I now know…..
Bascule Bridge
What I already know about a bascule bridge…………….
Questions I have about bascule bridges………………….
Inquiry Activity I: Use the space below to record your findings.
How does a bascule bridge open and close?
Inquiry Activity II: Use the space below to record your answers/findings.
What are the limitations of a bascule bridge?
Data Table: Use the space below to construct your data table.
What was the force needed to raise the longer span? Explain.
In your opinion, how would you reduce the force needed to open the bascule bridge?
Refelction: Looking back at the questions I had about bascule bridges, I now know…..
Arch Bridge
What I already know about a arch bridge…………….
Questions I have about arch bridges………………….
How Strong is an Arch? Use the space below to record your thoughts/findings as you experiment with the strength of an arch bridge.
Building Activity 1: From pages 10 & 11 of the Building Instructions Guide, what are the differences between the three versions of the arch bridge?
Inquiry Activity I: How stable is an arch when it stands alone? Use the space below to answer the questions.
Inquiry Activity II: Do different designs affect the strength of an arch bridge? Use the space below to answer the questions.
Applying the Idea: Use the space below to draw a clear, labeled diagram of an arch bridge. Add notes describing the parts of the bridge and their function.
Reflection: Looking over the questions I had at the beginning of this investigation, I now know that an arch bridge……………..
Suspension Bridge
What I already know about a suspension bridge…………….
Questions I have about suspension bridges………………….
Inquiry Activity: Is this a stable structure without the cables attached? Use the space below to answer the questions and to create the data table
Inquiry Activity II: How has the addition of cables affected the strength and stability of the structure? Use the space below to answer the questions
In the space below, sketch an image of a suspension bridge and identify its main components.
Write a brief description of the function of each component of the bridge.
What are the main differences between the K’Nex model and a real suspension bridge?
Explain how the cables affect the strength and stability of the bridge.
In the space below draw a sketch of a suspension bridge and label how the forces act upon the bridge.
Reflection: Looking at the questions I had at the beginning of this investigation, I now know that a suspension bridge………..
Cable Stayed Bridge
What I already know about a cable stayed bridge…………….
Questions I have about cable stayed bridges………………….
Inquiry Activity: What are the features of a cable-stayed bridge and what other bridge designs do they resemble? Use the space below to answer the questions.
Application Questions: Using illustrations and notes, identify the similarities and differences between a cable-stayed suspension bridge and a suspension bridge.
Using page 15 of the Building Instructions booklet, identify the characteristics of a cable stayed bridge. What are they a combination of, and where are they generally found?
What is the function of the parts of a cable stayed bridge? Record your observations using labeled drawings, notes and correct technical vocabulary.
Reflection: Looking at the questions I had at the beginning of this investigation, I now know that a cable-stayed bridge………..