BBQ Truss improved

thingiverse

This project fills a significant gap in many physical science curriculums. These innovative connectors enable students to explore various truss structures quickly and tangibly. They completely eliminate the need for adhesive materials when constructing structures, bridges, etc. These connectors feature slots that can be filled with all possible diagonals, allowing students to build very robust structures. Students can test square structures and compare their strength to identical structures with diagonals. Team Member: Rodney Lobo Overview and Background Project Name: BBQ Connector This design can be scaled down to the size of toothpicks or scaled up to the size of PVC. Students can explore structures and trusses in a hands-on, engaging way. These connectors can be reused. Lesson Plan and Activity This project can be tailored for various challenges, age levels, and duration. Tallest Tower The objective is to build the tallest tower that can support a specified amount of weight. Students are given a specific number (determined based on time) of BBQ skewers and unlimited connectors. Students must decide what size to cut the skewers (this is an extremely challenging task). Strongest Structure The goal is to support the most amount of weight within maximum dimensions and unlimited resources (skewers and connectors). Bridge Span There are several options here: You can specify the dimensions and determine which bridge can support the most weight. You can challenge students to build a bridge that spans the longest distance while supporting a minimum amount of weight. Duration: 1 hour - 1 week for larger structures Preparation: Teachers need to print ahead of time. Students require no prior preparation. References: Not required. Rubric & Assessment: This depends on the activity and rules chosen. Usually done as a competition. Handouts & Assets: See attached documents. Skills Learned Motor skills Organization Planning Force distribution Duration of Lesson 1 hour - 1 week for larger structures