Subject: Technological Design
1. Topic-
Bridge Building - fundamentals involved in the construction of a truss bridge.
 
2. Content-
Having previously watched a short documentary on bridge building, key elements will be revisited through related vocabulary.
 
3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
1. To have a better understanding of the various processes involved in bridge construction.
2. To be familiar with the history and somewhat notorious examples of poor construction, as well as successful modern design.
3. To have an understanding of the various trades involved and the career potential within the industry
 
4. Objectives-
1. Students will exhibit a knowledge and understanding of bridge building through discussion and preliminary drawings of their proposed design.
2. Critical thinking will play a major role in this lesson as students will be asked to dissect the pros and cons of several bridge designs
 
5. Materials and Aids-
Overheads,computer lab for IRA (Internet Research Assignment)
 
6. Procedures/Methods-

A. Introduction-

1. Discussion about bridges students have crossed in the past.
2.Tacoma Bridge Disaster discussion
 

B. Development-

This will be tackled during the next lesson
 

C. Practice-

1.IRA handout (may work with partner)
2.Computerized Bridge Builder competition
 

D. Independent Practice-

Successfully completing Practice 1 and making their way through the software in Practice 2
 

E. Accommodations (Differentiated Instruction)-

Working in pairs and the objective being a successful completion of the tasks, the process enables everyone to be successful in Practice 1, though Practice 2 will depend somewhat on their computer and analytical skills. Because of the slow progression of the demands, the latter allows for even the less adept to be successful up until minimum expectations are met, while those who are successful in their own right can go on to a higher level.
 

F. Checking for understanding-

1. In pairs, students will design their proposed bridge on paper, comparing their drawings with their partners to ensure the best case scenario by combining ideas.
2.There will be a visual sense of understanding, later translating into an actual bridge being built and tested based on similar design criteria and predetermined testing parameters.
 

G. Closure-

As this lesson is in perpetual motion for several days, closure is recognized in various stages. Getting through each layer is a wrap-up of its own.
 
7. Evaluation-
Assessment and evaluation is conducted at the same time as students achieve their goals. There will always be feedback for the next stage, or a repeat of the same stage with modifications.
 

This Lesson Plan is available at (www.teacherjet.com)