FINAL CHALLENGE:
For the final design challenge, students were asked to design and build a bridge (between Topsail and Bell Island).
There were five limits for their structure;
1. The bridge must be free-standing.
2. The bridge must be 10-20cm off the ground.
3. The bridge must be 50 cm in length.
4. The bridge must be able to withstand hurricane-force winds (a hairdryer on low speed)
5. The bridge must be able to support two-way traffic and the weight of 10 dinkies
In preparation for this design challenge, the students were provided time to meet in their groups and plan their design. They had Engineering Journals where they could make notes and sketches of their design ideas. Students also made a list of the materials they would need to implement their design. Available materials were as follows: toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes, card stock, straws, modelling clay, cardboard, masking tape, popsicle sticks, milk cartons, white glue, elastic bands, newspaper. Students were permitted to take as much of each material as necessary. Prior to starting the design challenge, each cooperative group sent one member to collect all the supplies on their list. Once each group had amassed all their materials, we started the 1 hour countdown to build their bridge.
The following day, all bridges were tested using the limits provided. Test results and observations were recorded in writing so the students could review them, then assess and improve their design. Students were provided 30 minutes to brainstorm and complete their improvements.
Once improvements were completed, each collaborative group's bridge was retested. Ms. Pennell then chose the design she felt best adhered to the limits and suited the design purpose. Students recorded their own modified design test results and reflected on the process in their Engineer's Journal.
For the final design challenge, students were asked to design and build a bridge (between Topsail and Bell Island).
There were five limits for their structure;
1. The bridge must be free-standing.
2. The bridge must be 10-20cm off the ground.
3. The bridge must be 50 cm in length.
4. The bridge must be able to withstand hurricane-force winds (a hairdryer on low speed)
5. The bridge must be able to support two-way traffic and the weight of 10 dinkies
In preparation for this design challenge, the students were provided time to meet in their groups and plan their design. They had Engineering Journals where they could make notes and sketches of their design ideas. Students also made a list of the materials they would need to implement their design. Available materials were as follows: toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes, card stock, straws, modelling clay, cardboard, masking tape, popsicle sticks, milk cartons, white glue, elastic bands, newspaper. Students were permitted to take as much of each material as necessary. Prior to starting the design challenge, each cooperative group sent one member to collect all the supplies on their list. Once each group had amassed all their materials, we started the 1 hour countdown to build their bridge.
The following day, all bridges were tested using the limits provided. Test results and observations were recorded in writing so the students could review them, then assess and improve their design. Students were provided 30 minutes to brainstorm and complete their improvements.
Once improvements were completed, each collaborative group's bridge was retested. Ms. Pennell then chose the design she felt best adhered to the limits and suited the design purpose. Students recorded their own modified design test results and reflected on the process in their Engineer's Journal.