Building Better Bridges Kit
These lab activities are designed for use with the Building Better Bridges Kit. You may preview and download individual student lab activities, which include instructions as well as pre-lab and post-lab questions.
Grade Level: High School
Subject: Engineering • STEM
Student Collection Files
| Forces and Equilibrium Text | 30.07 MB |
Activities
01) Forces in Equilibrium
In this lab, students first compare forces created from weights hanging from a load cell. Then, students will construct simple bridges, add weights, and measure forces to explore force interactions within a structure.
02) Internal Forces
In Part 1, students learn how to measure tension and compression using a load cell and beams. In Part 2, students construct a bridge, then, study tension and compression by measuring forces using a load cell and weights.
03) Moments in Equilibrium
In this lab, students construct a bridge to explore moments in equilibrium. Students will move weights across their structure, measure reaction forces, and develop an understanding of moments.
04) Strength of Members
In this lab, students use a force sensor to study the force limits of samples varying in length and thickness. Students will analyze the impacts of compression and tension on each sample to determine how length and thickness influence structure strength.
05) Truss Analysis
In this lab, students construct bridges and measure the forces in each member to develop a deeper understanding of compression and tension within a structure.
