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

2. 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.

3. 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:

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. Type of Bridge Sketch Pros Cons Geometric Shapes
Bridge Research/Planner Click on “build a bridge”
Type of Bridge
Sketch
Pros
Cons
Geometric Shapes

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

9. 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