Summary
Students learn about the variety of materials used by engineers in the design and construction of modern bridges. They also find out about the material properties important to bridge construction and consider the advantages and disadvantages of steel and concrete as common bridge-building materials to handle compressive and tensile forces.
This engineering curriculum aligns to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Engineering Connection
When designing structures such as bridges, engineers carefully choose the materials by anticipating the forces the materials (the structural components) are expected to experience during their lifetimes. Usually, ductile materials such as steel, aluminum and other metals are used for components that experience tensile loads. Brittle materials such as concrete, ceramics and glass are used for components that experience compressive loads.
Learning Objectives
After this lesson, students should be able to:
List several common materials used the design and construction of structures.
Describe several factors that engineers consider when selecting materials for the design of a bridge.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of common materials used in engineering structures (steel and concrete).
Educational Standards
NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science
Common Core State Standards - Math
International Technology and Engineering Educators Association - Technology
State Standards
Suggest an alignment not listed above
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Worksheets and Attachments
Strength of Materials Worksheet (doc)
Strength of Materials Worksheet (pdf)
Strength of Materials Worksheet Answers (doc)
Strength of Materials Worksheet Answers (pdf)
Strength of Materials Math Worksheet (doc)
Strength of Materials Math Worksheet (pdf)
Strength of Materials Math Worksheet Answers (doc)
Strength of Materials Math Worksheet Answers (pdf)
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