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Buildable Bridge Models

Buildable Bridge Models. Learning Engineering through Block Play and Model Construction. Brian Brenner Julia Carroll Brian Gravel.

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Buildable Bridge Models

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  1. Buildable Bridge Models Learning Engineering through Block Play and Model Construction Brian Brenner Julia Carroll Brian Gravel

  2. “Young children are inherently active with strong impulses to investigate, to share with others what they have found out, to construct things, and to create. In other words, a child is a natural engineer.” -Genalo et al. (2000)

  3. Outline • Block play or “hands on” learning • Engineering and blocks • Bridge models • Zakim bridge • Suspension bridge • Tacoma Narrows bridge

  4. Science through Block Play • Scientific method • Systems and systematic thought • Iteration, patterns • Reversibility • Interactions • Whole-part relationships

  5. More/less Size Counting Sets Addition/Subtraction Shapes Vertical/Horizontal Seriation Categorizing Measuring Taller/Shorter Longer/Shorter Left/Right Mathematics through Block Play

  6. Engineering and Blocks • Basic Structures • Post and lintel • Arches • Cantilever • Advanced structures • Tunnels • Bridges • Ramps • Towers

  7. Engineering and Blocks • Construction/Design Principles • Design Constraints • Construction staging

  8. Older Students and Blocks • Models • Physical resemblance • Functionality • Tools of theory • Complex systems • Uses of different materials • Terminology

  9. Bridge Models • Simplified examples of large structures • Simulate construction staging • Encourages thinking about engineering design and practice

  10. Zakim Bridge Model

  11. Zakim Bridge Discussion • Forces in cables, piers, decking • Stiffness of the deck • Location/style of cables • Advantages/disadvantages

  12. Suspension Bridge Model

  13. Suspension Bridge Discussion • Forces in the cables, piers, and abutments • Compare to cable-stayed • Span length • Cable calculations • Failures

  14. Tacoma Narrows Model

  15. Simulates collapse and redesign of Tacoma Narrows bridge Unstiffened deck comes off with a modest wind Stiffened deck remains intact Tacoma Narrows Discussion

  16. Student Guides SUSPENSION ZAKIM

  17. Buildable Bridge Library

  18. More Hands-on Learning • Use their bodies to show engineering principles • Create “human models” of structures • Popsicle stick/toothpick structures • Bridge library website • http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/etc/bridge

  19. Summary • Blocks encourage science and math development • Block play is usually a child’s first experience with engineering • Block models and hands-on activities provide a tangible way for students to learn about their surroundings • Block models inspire scientific and engineering thought

  20. Bibliography • Genalo, L.J., Bruning, M.,and Adams, B. (2000). “Creating a K-12 engineering educational outreach center.” Proc., 2000 ASEE Annual Conf., American Society for Engineering Education, Washington, D.C. • Kids/Blocks/Learning. Ansel, Patricia G. 2005. Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute. July 6, 2005. http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1993/1/1/93.01.01.x.html#t • Leeb-Lundberg, K. (1984). “The Block Builder Mathematician.” The Block Book, ed. 3., National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington, D.C. • Moffit, M.W. (1984). “Children Learn about Science through Block Building.” The Block Book, ed. 3., National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington, D.C. • Penner, D.E., Giles, N.D., Lehrer, R., Schauble, L. “Building Functional Models: Designing an Elbow.” Journal of Research in Science Teaching., v.34 n.2, pp.125-143

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