Pupils examine a stress-strain diagram that compares the advantages and disadvantages of the two common bridge building materials, concrete and steel. The also consider the factors that influence the materials builders choose for their bridges.

Concepts

force, steel, bridges, bridge design, design, building materials, technology resources

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Additional Tags

aggregate, bridge, concrete, force, steel

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Instructional Ideas

• Create a web quest to have the class find the information needed to meet the learning objectives
• Bring in pieces of concrete and steel that are about the same size to make comparisons between the two materials

Classroom Considerations

• The class should have an understanding of the forces that affect the several bridge types
• The seventh installment in a series of 10

Pros

• The Strength of Materials Worksheet reinforces the vocabulary from the lesson and unit
• The lesson plan contains the details needed to meet the listed lesson objectives

Cons

• Does not cover the formulas used in the Strength of Materials Math Worksheet

Common Core

6.NS.B.3 6.EE.A.2.a 7.G.B.4 7.G.B.6