Created by 7th Grade Math Teachers MacKinnon Middle School Bridge Designer Created by 7th Grade Math Teachers MacKinnon Middle School

Our Task The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is the agency that is responsible for all the bridges, tunnels, and the PATH trains in the metropolitan area. They have determined that there is currently too much traffic over the George Washington Bridge. They are planning for the construction of a new bridge over the Hudson River to meet the needs of the expected increase in traffic in the future. As a bridge designer, you have been selected to plan, design, and construct the new bridge connecting New York and New Jersey.

The Process Complete the Bridge Research/Planner for the four different kinds of bridges. Use the following links to view pictures of bridges to see the most common types of plane geometric figures that are used in the construction of bridges: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bridge/build.html http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/bridges/

Process continued…… Research to make a list of at least five bridges that connect to Manhattan and include the following information: Record the length of each bridge. Identify each type of bridge. Describe the pros and cons of each type of bridge. Explain the connection between the length and type of bridge. Draw a sketch of the bridge that your group has designed and have it approved. Develop a list using the supply and budget form of necessary supplies to complete your bridge so your budget does not exceed $2,000. Build a model of your bridge. In a brief written description include the following information: Name of your bridge The type of bridge you designed Geometric shapes used Explanation of your choice Complete supply form and budget form for your bridge design.

Evaluation Novice = 7 Apprentice = 8 Practitioner = 9 Expert = 10 Budget _____x 3 = ____ Complete supply list. (what materials were used for construction of bridge) $ 201 or more of budget Complete supply list. Supply list includes the cost of each item. $200 or less over budget Complete budget form Calculate total cost of project based on materials from supplier Stay within budget All of practitioner plus: 2 cost projections, one for each of two designs. Completed project under budget Research List 5 bridges that connect to Manhattan. Record the length of each bridge. Identify each type of bridge. Describe the pros and cons of each type of bridge. Explain the connection between the length and type of bridge. All of practitioner plus a brief written statement connecting practitioner research to your design. Drawing/Models Some attempt to create a drawing of bridge. Student drew bridge clearly. All apprentice plus: Successful construction of bridge model to scale. All practitioner plus: Included a computer generated sketch Written Description _____x 1 = ____ Name your bridge Identify type of bridge. Identify type of bridge Identify geometric shapes used Complete budget form and budget form for bridge design correctly Practitioner plus explanation of design choice based on projections of budget.

Budget Form (Budget = $2,000) Material Cost per unit Number of units Total for each material (Cost multiplied by number of units) Project Total:

Type of Bridge Sketch Pros Cons Geometric Shapes Bridge Research/Planner www.pbs.org/wgbh/bridge Click on “build a bridge” Type of Bridge Sketch Pros Cons Geometric Shapes

Supply List List supplies to be used for bridge design. ____________________

Price List popsicle sticks 10 sticks for $100 glue gun rental $50 a day glue sticks 2 for $30 Wire $48 a foot String $25 a yard Other Market price at time of purchase