BRIDGE BUSTERS
1.
Identify the need or
problem
9.
Complete
decision
2.
Research the need or
problem
3.
Develop
possible solutions
8.
Redesign
7.
Communicate
the Solution
4.
Choose the best
solution
6.
Test & evaluate
the solution
flame:
5.
Build a
prototype
Section:
DESIGN CHALLENGE
>> Design and build the lightest bridge to support the heaviest load.
Criteria
Constraints
Your bridge must have:




Two sides,
A bottom (the walkway)
A top
Four types of joints:
 Butt joint
 Gusset plate joint
 Simple overlapping joint
 Double overlapping joint
Your bridge is limited to:
 Maximum length: 20 cm (front to back)
 Maximum width: 6.5 cm (side to side)
 Maximum height: No restrictions
 All pieces fastened entirely with glue (no mechanical
fasteners).
Key Terms






Approved Materials
 Balsa wood
 Glue
Each team will have a total budget of $1,000,000 to spend for
wood and glue and will get a cost sheet. Each team will have
three opportunities to purchase materials (you do not have to
use all three), however, due to inflation the cost of materials
will go up eaCh time. Cost of materials on second buy will be
25% higher that the first purchase. Third purchase will be 50%
higher than the original. For this reason, teams should calculate
materials for the first purchase as accurately as possible. NO
RETURNS FOR CREDIT WILL BE ALLOWED. No partial pieces
may be purchased. Whole pieces only. No partial glue units.
DefleCtion: the amount of bend in the middle of the
bridge.
Compression: a force that pushes or squeezes object
together.
Load: the weight of objects on a structure.
Span: the distance between two bridge supports.
Truss: a rigid, triangular structure.
Tension- a fore that pulls or stretches objects apart.
Key Points
 Fewer pieCes mean fewer problems
 Design for strength at the load points.
 Joints are CritiCal parts of any structure. Poor joint
construction can greatly reduCe the load carrying
capacity of your bridge.
 Triangles - are the strongest and can support weight
securely
 Squares - can support weight, but can twist and collapse
if not supported
 Polygons - like squares, can support some weight, but
will twist and collapse if not supported.
Competition Guidelines
 Each bridge will be loaded in the middle until it fails. EvidenCe of failure is a CraCking sound or a defleCtion of
1Cm on the walkway at the Center of the bridge.
 The overall score consists of the maximum load divided by the weight of the bridge.
 The bridge will be loaded in the middle until it fails.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
2
EflGIflEERIflG BEZIGfl PROCEZZ
ZTEP I: IdenriFy rhe fleed
In YOUR Own wORDSX re-state the purpose of this design challenge (What have you been asked to do?)
What does the prototype have to do to be successful?
The goal of technology & engineering is to improve people's lives. Check off all the ways the technology &
engineering in this project can do that.
 1. Improve the way we CommuniCate. Explain how. YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
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 2.
Improve the way we travel.
Explain how. YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
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 W. Improve the way we make things. Explain how. YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
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 Z.
Improve the way we build things. Explain how. YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
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 [. Improve the way live healthy lives. Explain how. YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
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_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
W
EflGIflEERIflG BEZIGfl PROCEZZ
ZTEP 2: Research- Record your answers ro rhe web quesr quesrions For rhis projecr in rhis secrion.
1.
What kind of engineer builds bridges?
2.
Name that bridge
3.
Bridge Strengths & Weaknesses
Bridge
Span
Construction Material
Advantages
Disadvantages
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
4
4.
ForCes on bridges
Define the words and lablel the drawing.
Compression:
Tension:
[.
DesCribing faCtors
S
^.
ForCes lab
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
[
EflGIflEERIflG BEZIGfl PROCEZZ
ZTEP t: Bevelop Possible Zolurions
Draw six DIFFERENT ideas of prototypes that might be good solutions for this design challenge.
IDEA #1
IDEA #2
IDEA #3
IDEA #4
IDEA #5
IDEA #6
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Bridge Busters Project
6
EflGIflEERIflG BEZIGfl PROCEZZ
ZTEP 4: Choose rhe besr solurion
Engineers make decisions based on trade-offs. That's when you give up something you like for something
that's even better. Look at the criteria in the left -hand column. Give each idea a number from 1-5 based on
how close it comes to the criteria. (1 is the lowest value and 5 is the highest value).
IDEAS
TRADE-OFFS
CHART
1
2
3
4
5
6
LOAD (On a scale from 1-5…)
Design is sturdy and will not bend when loaded
FORCES (On a scale from 1-5…)
Design will minimize compression and tension
STRUCTURE (On a scale from 1-5…)
Design has four types of joints:
 Butt joint
 Gusset plate joint
 Simple overlapping joint
 Double overlapping joint
ASTHETICS (On a scale from 1-5…)
Design is aesthetically pleasing
“Looks cool”
MATERIALS (On a scale from 1-5…)
Does this design use approved materials in new and
unique ways that others may not think of?
TOTALS
Look at the totals and make a decision as to which idea is the best. Usually it's the highest number. Another
method is to circle the highest numbers in each column and combine the best ideas.
1. Describe the best solution in a complete sentence. (Idea #
)
2. What was the most convincing trade-off that influenced your decision?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
7
Explain (SAY MORE) in complete sentences.
3. What do you think the most difficult part of building this prototype will be?
(Ex: I think the most difficult part of building the prototype will be getting the wheels on.)
4. Describe (SAY MORE) in complete sentences one strategy that you'll try for the most difficult part.
(Ex: I will use a wooden hammer to gently tap each wheel onto the axle,)
5. List the main tools and materials you'll need to build your prototype and what you will use them for.
Name of tool
Used for
Measuring the
Cutting the
Shaping the
Attaching the
Tightening the
Holding the
Material
Used for
Reason
(Circle your reason)
Weight Strong Hard Flexible Durable
Weight Strong Hard Flexible Durable
Weight Strong Hard Flexible Durable
Weight Strong Hard Flexible Durable
Weight Strong Hard Flexible Durable
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Bridge Busters Project
8
LEFT
FRONT
RIGHT
BOTTOM
BACK
TOP
A successful drawing will have these labels OUTSIDE the drawing:
Gusset plate joint
Double overlapping joint
Butt plate joint
Truss
Simple overlapping joint
Load
A successful drawing will have:
No smudges, stray line or eraser marks
Lettering that is neat, legible and correctly spelled
Correct views centered in the workspace
Sharp lines drawn with rulers, templates, etc.
Metric measurements (length, width, height) OUTSIDE the drawing w/correct abbreviations
LEFT
FRONT
RIGHT
BOTTOM
BACK
TOP
Images courtesy of CEEO, Tufts University
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=*i)g& =us2&*s >*o@&c2
23
EflGIflEERIflG BEZIGfl PROCEZZ
ZTEP F: Build rhe Besr Prororype
1.
3.
5.
2.
4.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
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Bridge Busters Project
12
The Universal Systems Model
GOAL:
PROJECT
TITLE:
TYPES OF INPUTS
1. Tools:
2. Information:
__________________________________________________________________________
OUTPUTS
TYPES OF PROCESSES
CUT
The results of the processes that were
expected:
FORMED
SHAPED
The results of the processes that were
un expected or unwanted
3. People:
COMBINED
4. Time:
SEPARATED
5. Energy:
6. Money:
FEEDBACK:
(The information you received that caused you to make adjustments)
7. Materials:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
20
Keep a record of how your prototype gets built. Complete one Engineering Log after every building class.
-I- /01 203304 5H7 878K3IS5;
On the lines below, describe what you did. Mention any difficulties
you've had or any design changes you made.
Make a labeled sketch that shows what you did.
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


/7S I described the drawing in a clear and understandable way
/7S I used key terms and information to accurately describe my
progress and drawing. I have enough information.
/7S My description is neatly written and legible.




On the lines below, describe what you did. Mention any difficulties
you've had or any design changes you made.
/7S My drawing is large enough to show all the details.
/7S My line quality is sharp and precise (no smudges)
/7S My labels are outside the drawing and accurate
/7S My drawing uses shading for highlights
Make a labeled sketch that shows what you did.
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


/7S I described the drawing in a clear and understandable way
/7S I used key terms and information to accurately describe my
progress and drawing. I have enough information.
/7S My description is neatly written and legible.




/7S My drawing is large enough to show all the details.
/7S My line quality is sharp and precise (no smudges)
/7S My labels are outside the drawing and accurate
/7S My drawing uses shading for highlights
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
13
On the lines below, describe what you did. Mention any difficulties
you've had or any design changes you made.
Make a labeled sketch that shows what you did.
-<t>: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
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


/7S I described the drawing in a clear and understandable way
/7S I used key terms and information to accurately describe my
progress and drawing. I have enough information.
/7S My description is neatly written and legible.




/7S My drawing is large enough to show all the details.
/7S My line quality is sharp and precise (no smudges)
/7S My labels are outside the drawing and accurate
/7S My drawing uses shading for highlights
-I- /01 203304 5H7 878K3IS5;
On the lines below, describe what you did. Mention any difficulties
you've had or any design changes you made.
Make a labeled sketch that shows what you did.
-<t>: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
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


/7S I described the drawing in a clear and understandable way
/7S I used key terms and information to accurately describe my
progress and drawing. I have enough information.
/7S My description is neatly written and legible.




/7S My drawing is large enough to show all the details.
/7S My line quality is sharp and precise (no smudges)
/7S My labels are outside the drawing and accurate
/7S My drawing uses shading for highlights
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
1&
On the lines below, describe what you did. Mention any difficulties
you've had or any design changes you made.
Make a labeled sketch that shows what you did.
-<t>: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
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


/7S I described the drawing in a clear and understandable way
/7S I used key terms and information to accurately describe my
progress and drawing. I have enough information.
/7S My description is neatly written and legible.




/7S My drawing is large enough to show all the details.
/7S My line quality is sharp and precise (no smudges)
/7S My labels are outside the drawing and accurate
/7S My drawing uses shading for highlights
-I- /01 203304 5H7 878K3IS5;
On the lines below, describe what you did. Mention any difficulties
you've had or any design changes you made.
Make a labeled sketch that shows what you did.
-<t>: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
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


/7S I described the drawing in a clear and understandable way
/7S I used key terms and information to accurately describe my
progress and drawing. I have enough information.
/7S My description is neatly written and legible.




/7S My drawing is large enough to show all the details.
/7S My line quality is sharp and precise (no smudges)
/7S My labels are outside the drawing and accurate
/7S My drawing uses shading for highlights
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
15
EflGIflEERIflG BEZIGfl PROCEZZ
ZTEP b: Tesr L Evaluare rhe Zolurion
Balsa Bridge Test Trials
Trial
Weight
(gm)
Bridge height
(cm.)
Amount of
deflection cm
(bending in the
middle)
Bridge remained
stable and had no
deflection or
joints crack
Bridge was
stable and had
<1 cm
deflection and
no joints crack
Bridge was
unstable and
had > 1 cm
deflection and
joints fail
1
2
3
4
5
Which type of graph?
___ Line graph- used to show
changes over time and cause and
effect between the data
___ Bar Graph-used to compare
the data
Do it On-Line
http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagrap
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Bridge Busters Project
16
Describe (complete sentences) what the data tells you about your prototype.
A successful answer will include:
 Several complete sentences that mentions the data and tells the reader what you think it means
 Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation
 Lettering that is legible and evenly spaced between words and sentences
EflGIflEERIflG BEZIGfl PROCEZZ
ZTEP 7: Communicare rhe Zolurion
1. What did your prototype do that was expected?
Explain why. (I don't know is NOT an acceptable response)
2. What did your prototype do that was unexpected?
Explain why. (I don't know is NOT an acceptable response)
3. One idea, part or feature that I wouldn't change is
4. One idea, part or feature that I would change is
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Bridge Busters Project
17
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_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
18
flGIflEERIflG BEZIGfl PROCEZZ
ZTEP 8: Redesign
Draw a NEW VERSION of your prototype that has three new parts or features that are not on the one you
made.
Describe how each thing you added/changed will improve the prototype.
1.
will improve the prototype by
2.
will improve the prototype by
3.
will improve the prototype by
EflGIflEERIflG BEZIGfl PROCEZZ
ZTEP 4: Complere a Becision
On a scale of 1 to 10, how effective was your prototype in meeting the criteria? (Put an X on the line)
X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- X
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Ineffective
Somewhat effective
Explain your rating in COMPLETE SENTENCES.
Effective
Highly Effective
Applied Technology Self-evaluation
Name: ______________________________________
Date: _____________________ Project: ____________________________________
1. Did you enjoy the project? _____Yes ____ No
Why, or why not?
2. What do you think would make this project better?
a. We could spend less time on …
b. We could spend more time on …
c. We could…
3. What new skills did you learn in this project?
(For example, knowing which type of saw to use and how to use it safely, etc,)
1.
2.
3.
4. What new and interesting ideas did you get from this project?
(For example, understanding how air bags in cars work)
1.
2.
3.
5. By doing this project, what did you get better at? Give an example for each one you check as YES.
a. Working with others?
Example:
Yes
b. Speaking up?
Example:
Yes
No
No
c. Leadership?
Example:
Yes
d. Planning a project?
Example:
Yes
No
No
6. What have you done to contribute to your success in this class? (For example, I completed all homework)
Example:
7. What skills do you think you need to improve?
Skills
1.
2.
3.
8. Other comments on this project
Action(s) I could take
Design Brief Rubric
Name _______________________________________________________
Date _______________________________________
Section ____________
Points are earned for completed work that does EXACTLY what is described in each category.
Student
Criteria
Points
Score
Category
STEP 1:
Identify the
Need

I gave specific examples and used complete sentences to describe
how this prototype's technology will make a positive contribution
to society and people's lives. [p.3]
5
STEP 2:
Research

I completed the research organizer about bridges (p. 4-5)
5
STEP 3:
Develop
Solutions

I have at least 6 drawings of possible solutions to this design
challenge. (p.7)
10
STEP 4:
Select the Best
Solution

I filled out the trade-offs chart and used it to choose the best
solution, which I then explained.
I also listed the tools and
materials I needed and gave reasons for them. [p.7- 8]
10

I have a detailed and high-quality orthographic production drawing
of the prototype I built that is labeled, uses metric measurements
and has all the items on the checklist underneath it [p.9]
15
STEP 5:
Build a
Prototype

I completed an Engineering Log for each building class during the
project. Each entry follows the checklist underneath it.. [p. 13-15]
10
STEP 6:
Testing &
Evaluation

I have a data table and description of the test results I conducted on
my prototype. [p. 16-17]
10

I explained my prototype's test results in complete sentences that
use key terms from page 2 (i.e., load, truss. etc.) and analyzed
things that worked well and things that did not. [p.17-18]
5

I used the Universal System Model to plan and describe the steps
stages, materials, people and processes of building my prototype
[p.20]
STEP 7:
Communicating
the Solution
Teacher
Score
5
STEP 8:
Redesign

I drew an improved version of my prototype with 3 improvements
and described how each one would make it better. [p.21]
10
STEP 9:
Complete
Decision

I evaluated how effective my prototype was and used complete
sentences and key terms to clearly communicate the strengths and
design flaws that affected my prototype's performance (i.e. choice
of materials). [p. 22]
5
Self-Evaluation

I completed the self-evaluation with specific reasons and examples
when asked for. [p. 23]
5
Mechanics

My design brief is legible, neat and with very few, if any,
spelling/grammar errors.
5
%
Comments:
%
TOTAL
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
23
BRIDGE BREAKER RUBRIC
Learning Goal: I can use the Engineering Design Process to plan and build a prototype for a specific purpose.
 Did you choose and use only approved materials?
 Did you keep track of and safeguard your materials to prevent loss or damage to them?
 Did you use your materials effectively?
Tchr. Score
4
3
2
1
MATERIALS
Approved materials were
selected, protected and
modified in ways that
made them even better.
Approved materials were
selected, protected and
used effectively.
Approved materials were
selected and may be
damaged, lost or not used
effectively.
Approved materials were
damaged, lost, not used
correctly or randomly chosen.
 Did you use measuring tools, and glue make a sturdy prototype that doesn't break down or need repairs?
Tchr. Score
4
3
2
1
ENGINEERING
The bridge is rigid and
straight and all pieces are
securely fastened; the
bridge does not move,
bend or wobble when
loaded.
The bridge is sturdy and
pieces are securely
fastened; there is minimal
movement, bending or
wobbling when loaded.
The bridge is stable; pieces
may be crooked or not
securely fastened; the
bridge moves, bends or
wobbles when loaded.
The bridge is unstable; pieces
are crooked or not securely
fastened; the bridge moves,
bends, breaks or wobbles
when loaded
 Did you use hand tools and machines (e.g., saws, drills, sanders, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers) safely and appropriately to
construct a prototype that looks like a finished product?
 Did you follow the building plan and does your prototype look like your drawing?
Tchr. Score
4
3
2
1
CONSTRUCTION
The prototype is extremely
detailed, visually appealing
and built according to the
production drawing.
Corners are square;
straight cuts perfectly
straight; four different
types of joints are used
repeatedly in appropriate
locations;
No machine marks, dents,
cracks, globs of glue or
tape, damaged, jagged or
rough surfaces.
The prototype looks like a
finished product and is
built according to the
production drawing.
Corners are square;
straight cuts straight; four
different types of joints are
used appropriately;
No major machine marks,
dents, cracks, globs of glue
or tape, damaged, jagged or
rough surfaces.
The prototype holds
together and resembles the
production drawings.
Some corners are square;
straight cuts straight; joint
types are not used in
appropriate locations;
There are some machine
marks, dents, cracks, globs
of glue or tape, damaged,
jagged or rough surfaces.
The prototype looks
unfinished or like it was
thrown together and does not
resemble the production
drawing.
Corners are not square;
straight cuts not straight;
joints are missing or not used
in appropriate locations;
There are major machine
marks, dents, cracks, globs of
glue or tape, damaged, jagged
or rough surfaces.
 Was the prototype ready on time?
 Did the prototype's design work effectively?
Tchr. Score
4
3
2
1
FUNCTIONING
The prototype was
competed on time, exceeds
all of the project criteria
and holds up under
repeated use and stress.
The prototype was
completed on time, meets
all of the project criteria
and holds up under
repeated use and stress.
The prototype was ready
and meets some criteria
but does not hold up under
repeated use and stress.
The prototype was not
competed on-time and/or has
fatal design flaws and does not
meet criteria or hold up under
repeated use and stress
Scoring Key
16-15 pts
A+ (98%)
9 pts
C+ (78%)
14 pts
A (95%)
8 pts
C (75%)
13 pts
A- (90)
7pts
C- (70%)
12 pts
B + (88%)
6 pts
D + (68%)
11pts
B (85%)
5 pts
D (65%)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bridge Busters Project
10 pts
B- (80%)
4 pts.
D- (63-60%)
24