Bridges!
Today we are going to be engineers! An engineer is a person who designs machines, buildings or structures. Anything that is built must first be engineered, or planned out.
You can use your imagination to build whatever you like but it is important to plan it out to see if it will actually work!
The Bridge Quiz!
There are many different types of bridges, here are some examples.
A Truss Bridge is made of a series of wooden or metal triangles, known as trusses. The triangle shape gives them strength.
An Arch Bridge is a very old bridge design and has been used for thousands of years. The bridge is shaped as a curved arch.
Beam Bridge is the oldest, simplest, and most common type of bridge. A simple plank that crosses a stream is the most basic beam bridge. Supports, called piers, hold up the bridge between the two ends.
Suspension Bridges can span longer distances than any other bridges. The bridge hangs from strong wires called cables. These cables hang between towers.
Cable-stayed Bridge also uses cables but the cables run between the towers and the roadway in straight, diagonal lines. They also only need one tower.
Design + Build your own bridge
Bridges are very important structures, especially in Ireland. As we have lots of rivers, we need a safe way to cross the water.
Bridges need to be able to carry heavy weights such as trucks so they have to be strong with lots of support.
What you will need: Blocks or books, paper, and some weights to test your bridge. Toy cars, action figures and coins will work as weights.
Download the activity sheet and get all the instructions on how to design and build your own bridge PLUS the answers to the QUIZ!
Bridge Quiz!
Can you name each type of bridge using the list above?
Answers are on the activity sheet!
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