Lesson Plans

Objectives:

(PA Science & Technology Standards: 3.2.7B; PA Mathematics Standard: 2.3.3B)

(PA Science & Technology Standard: 3.2.4D, 3.2.7B, 3.4.4A)

Process Skills:

Observing, Inferring, Predicting, Measuring, Using numbers

Materials: (For each group of 4-6 students)

Four books of equal size

A supply of stiff paper (such as Oak Tag)

One 30 centimeter ruler

A supply of pennies

Record keeping sheet: "Golden Arches"

Time Requirement:

One 30-minute period

Procedure:

1. Direct all groups of students to place two books on a table six centimeters away from two other books. The children should put the first test paper in between the two sets of books creating an arch. They should measure and record the height of the arch in centimeters.

2. To test the strength of their arch each group of students should stack pennies, one at a time, in the center of the arch until it collapses.

NOTE: Students can learn about arches and their structural characteristics at the following web site: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/loads.html

3. Direct all groups to try the same test with the other paper lengths, being sure to keep the books the same distance apart as in the first test. Remind the students to record the number of pennies each arch was able to hold before it collapsed on the "Golden Arches" record keeping sheet.

4. As an additional investigation, have the students repeat the procedure but vary the distance between the books while keeping the height of the arch the same. This extension lesson explores the relationship between the length of an arch and its ability to support weight.

Assessment Tools:

"Golden Arches" record keeping sheet

Accuracy of measurements

Reasonableness of prediction

Response to journal prompt

Branching Out

Student Resources:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/index.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/loads.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/abt_chall.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/act_straw_ho.html

Teacher Resources:

http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/stableandunstable

http://www.exploratorium.edu/structures/strawspins.html

http://www.exploratorium.edu/structures/paperbridges.html

Related Resources on Pennsylvania Bridges

http://www.drjtbc.com/

http://www.drpa.org/

http://riverplaces.com/SiteIndex.html

http://www.phillyroads.com/crossings/