Mini Arch Bridges

thingiverse

This lesson plan appears to be a comprehensive engineering design project that aligns with various national standards for science and technology education. Here's an analysis of the plan: **Lesson Overview** The lesson involves designing, 3D printing, and testing a bridge using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Students will learn about different types of bridges, geometry, physics, and factors that engineers consider when designing bridges. **Objectives** * Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. * Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. * Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. * Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved. **Activities** 1. Introduction: Discuss different types of bridges, geometry, physics, and factors that engineers consider when designing bridges. 2. Bridge Design: Guide students through selecting/creating a bridge model, either working in teams or individually. Set bridge specifications and constraints, such as minimum length, width, and weight capacity. 3. 3D Printing: Students will 3D print their bridge models using CAD software. 4. Testing: Supervise and assess students testing their bridges to determine if they meet the minimum requirements. **Assessment** * Did the student's bridge meet the minimum requirements? * Can the student identify features of their bridge, including type, geometric shapes used, and points of force, load, reaction, equilibrium, tension, compression, and strength? **Resources** * 3D filament * 3D Printer * Computer with access to Thingiverse (a platform for 3D printing designs) * Computer with access to CAD software * Basic writing and numeracy skills **Duration** The lesson plan is estimated to take several days to complete, depending on the complexity of the project. **References** * Wikipedia article: Bridges Overall, this lesson plan appears to be well-structured and aligned with national standards for science and technology education. It provides students with hands-on experience in designing, 3D printing, and testing a bridge, while also teaching them about engineering design principles and physics concepts.