5E Lesson Plan - Bridges

Sara Gifford Kiser
Horn Lake High

DeSoto County
1/22/2021
How do bridges support the weight of traffic?
We drive cross bridges often, taking for granted the forces at play. They seem to defy gravity.
How do bridges support not only their own weight but also the weight of traffic such as
automobiles and trains? In this lesson, we will explore how this common, universal structure
stands strong.
Standard: P.2.6.1 Conduct a structured investigation to collect, represent, and analyze data
from observations and measurements to demonstrate the effects of pushes and pulls with
different strengths and directions. Communicate findings (e.g., models or technology) (2018
Mississippi CCRS for Science).
LS1. Structure and Function NGSS
Historical Information
The first known evidence of the truss bridge structure is in the 13 th century. Early designs
reached lengths close to 200 ft (Britannica, 2019). Before the industrial revolution the United
States made many wooden truss bridges. The use of iron in the 1870s was quickly replaced by
steel. There are several types of trusses (History of Bridges, 2023). Covered truss bridges were
common in the U.S. in the 18th and 19th centuries. Lighter and more economic designs created
by Town and Burr were popular. These designs were later replaced with designs by Pratt and
Warren and the use of iron and steel. This change was needed to support the growing railroads.
Iron and steel were weather resistant and no longer needed to be covered (Britannica, 2019).
Investigating a bridge: What holds up the automobiles and resists the wind?
Engage
To engage and assess students’ prior knowledge, a “know, want to know, and learned” or KWL
chart will be used. The teacher will ask students to list what they know about bridges. How do
they impact our lives? What shapes make the strongest bridge design model?
The students will participate in a gallery walk, containing pictures of different bridges labeled by
structure, including the following: Arch Bridge, Beam Bridge, Cable-stayed Bridge, Cantilever
Bridge, Suspension Bridge, Truss Bridge, Tied Arch Bridge. Students will use a graphic organizer
to record observations regarding the structure of at least three bridge types. What do you
notice about the structure of each bridge type?
Explore
Safety notes: students should not place hands or any other body parts under the weights
because they will fall. Also, students should watch out for papercuts.
Using 10 or less sheets of paper and 20 cm of masking tape, students will construct a model
prototype bridge with their partner.
Students will watch the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJpHS6-iUrs
How would you design a bridge to help your family cross a bridge? What problems would you
consider when designing your bridge? Students will discuss with their partner before sharing
with the class. What new information did you learn from the video?
Explain
Students will record their results in a journal by writing a short scientific report. Students will
share with the class, present their bridge to the class, and explain its strengths and weakness.
What are the strengths of your build? What are the weaknesses of your build? What changes
would you like to make? Out of all of the bridges created by your classmates, which one is your
favorite? Explain.
Extend
Return to your partner and use your new knowledge to improve your bridge prototype. The
improved version will also have to withstand the fan which represents wind.
Divide the class into partners. Distribute 3 sheets of paper and masking tape to each set of
partners. Present the class with the following challenge: You are an engineer trying to design a
prototype bridge to hold at least two pounds of weight, to represent the weight of
automobiles. You have limited materials, only 3 sheets of paper and 10 centimeters of masking
tape. The pair who creates the bridge that holds the most weight for the longest amount of
time will win a prize.
What changes did you make? Why?
Evaluate
The students will construct a prototype bridge that holds at least two pounds using only three
sheets of paper.
The students will list everything they learned about bridges and trusses in this lesson on their
KWL chart from the engagement or lesson hook. The teacher will compile students’ answers
onto a class KWL chart.
Conclusion
Students will list three things they have learn about forces and bridges, explain two ways they
have helped, and ask one question they have. Students will clean their area.
References
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2019, September 16). truss bridge. Encyclopedia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/truss-bridge
History of Bridges . (2023). Truss bridge - types, history, facts and design. Truss Bridge - Facts
and Types of Truss Bridges. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from
http://www.historyofbridges.com/facts-about-bridges/truss-bridge/
Name: ______________________
Date________________________
Student Response Sheet
Investigating structures: How do bridges support traffic and other weight without falling?
In this activity, you are going to discover how a bridge supports the weight of an automobile.
Engage
1. What do you know about bridges? Make a list.
2. How do bridges impact our lives?
3. What shapes make the strongest bridge design?
4. What do you notice about the structure of each bridge type?
Explore
Safety notes: students should not place hands or any other body parts under the weights
because they will fall. Also, students should watch out for papercuts.
1. How would you design a bridge to help your family cross a bridge?
2. What problems would you consider when designing your bridge? Students will discuss
with their partner before sharing with the class.
3. What new information did you learn from the video?
Explain
1. What are the strengths of your build?
2. What are the weaknesses of your build?
3. What changes would you like to make?
4. Out of all of the bridges created by your classmates, which one is your favorite? Explain.
Extend
1. What changes did you make? Why?

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Sara Gifford Kiser

Horn Lake High

LS1. Structure and Function NGSS

and Types of Truss Bridges. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from

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