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Grade 8 Science Curriculum

Unit of Study: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
Suggested Time: 4 Weeks

 

Content Standard 8.4 In the design of structures there is a need to consider factors such as function, materials, safety, cost and appearance.

  • Bridges can be designed in different ways to withstand certain loads and potentially destructive forces.
Essential Question: How do science and technology affect the quality of our lives?

 

Focus Question #1 Why are bridges built as they are?

Expected performances (C30) The student will be able to:

a. explain how beam, truss and suspension bridges are designed to withstand the forces that act on them.

Required Activities:

  1. Use informational text to research the structure of a beam, truss and suspension bridge and determine types of materials used to construct bridges. Pitsco Bridge Book, Heinemann Bridges (CINQ. 2)
  2. Use informational text and video to compare and contrast the construction of a beam, truss and suspension bridge. Pitsco Bridge Book, Heinemann Bridges, Video – Assignment Discovery Understanding Bridges. (CINQ. 2)
  3. Use a computer-based program to design a truss bridge. Pre-engineering Software Corporation Bridge Builder 4.4. (CINQ. 3, 5)
  4. Design a scale model of the computer-designed truss bridge. (CINQ. 5)
  5. Build the scale model of the truss bridge using balsa wood and glue. (CINQ. 5)
  6. Take part in a Destructive Test to determine the amount of weight the bridge can support. (CINQ. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)

Optional Activities:

none

Assessments:

(State-provided performance assessment will be imbedded in this unit)

Truss bridge project (see Appendix for rubric)

Students will list advantages of a beam, truss and suspension bridge and list factors engineers need to take into account before choosing a bridge type.

Bridge Building quiz (see Appendix)

Resources:

Computers

TV and VCR

Balsa wood

Miter box and saw

Structure pins

Glue

Graph paper

Bridge Book (Pitsco)

Bridges (Heinemann)

Bridge Builder Software 4.4 (Pre-engineering Software Corporation)

Understanding Bridges (Assignment Discovery)

 

Bold face indicates CORE expected performances to be assessed by CMT

Ledyard Public Schools
Revised 5/20/05
Approved by Instructional Council May 20, 2005