1. Build a Bridge to Get Over It!

2. Your Task: Four open spans need bridges. You've just been put in charge of deciding which type of bridge is best for each of those four spans. Are you up to the task? Let's find out. First, you'll want to take a good look at each site. Then you'll want to research each of the five kinds of bridges that you can choose from. Only then will you be ready to try your hand at building a bridge—actually four of them!

3. Types of Bridges There are many different types of bridge design. Each supports loads in different ways, and each is best suited for different purposes.

4. Task: Gather some information about each of the types of bridges by reading the handout you were given and filling in the table.

5. Site 1 A 4 200 foot span across an ocean bay where huge ships come and go.

6. Site 2 A 300 foot span across a narrow waterway.

7. Site 3 A 3000 foot main span across a busy shipping channel in a major city

8. Site 4 A 1,200-foot span across a deep river gorge