Guardians of Bridges

Assignment Title: "Guardians of the Bridges: Innovating for Safety"

Objective:

Students will apply their creativity, research, and technical skills to design an innovative safety system that protects bridges from collisions with large ships. They will use TinkerCad or SketchUp to bring their designs to life, considering the principles of engineering, environmental impact, and real-world feasibility.

Instructions For Students:

 Assignment Overview:

 As we saw yesterday a collisions between large ships and bridges can cause significant damage to both structures and the environment, not to mention endanger lives. Your challenge is to design a safety system that prevents these accidents from happening. Think outside the box to create a solution that is both effective and practical, using TinkerCad or SketchUp to model your ideas.

1. Brainstorm ideas about ways to protect bridges from being hit by large ships

2. Use TinkerCad or Sketchup to create a safety system for bridges

Materials Needed:

• Computers with internet access

• Access to TinkerCad or SketchUp

• Research materials on bridge and ship designs

• Optional: Guest speaker from a local engineering firm or maritime organization

Assignment Overview:

Collisions between large ships and bridges can cause significant damage to both structures and the environment, not to mention endanger lives. Your challenge is to design a safety system that prevents these accidents from happening. Think outside the box to create a solution that is both effective and practical, using TinkerCad or SketchUp to model your ideas.

Instructions:

Step 1: Research (1 Class Period)

• Begin by researching different types of bridges and ships, focusing on their sizes, designs, and how they operate near each other.

• Investigate existing safety measures and technologies used to prevent collisions.

• Consider environmental factors and the impact of your system on aquatic life and water flow.

Step 2: Brainstorming Session (1 Class Period)

• In groups, discuss the problems that lead to bridge-ship collisions and brainstorm various solutions. Consider alarms, barriers, navigation aids, and any other technologies that could help.

• Sketch your ideas on paper, focusing on how they would work in real life.

Step 3: Design Phase using TinkerCad or SketchUp (2-3 Class Periods)

• Choose the best idea from your brainstorming session to develop further.

• Use TinkerCad or SketchUp to create a detailed model of your safety system. Include the bridge, a segment of the waterway, and a model of a ship to show how your system interacts with each.

• Ensure your design addresses the key challenges identified during your research.

Step 4: Presentation (1 Class Period)

• Prepare a short presentation of your design. Include:

  • A brief overview of the problem and your research findings.

  • An explanation of your safety system, how it works, and why you chose it.

  • A tour of your TinkerCad or SketchUp model, pointing out its key features and how they contribute to safety.

• Be ready to answer questions from your classmates and teacher about your design and thought process.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Research and Conceptual Understanding: Demonstration of a solid understanding of the problem, existing solutions, and innovative thinking in your approach.

• Creativity and Originality: How unique and practical is the safety system design?

• Technical Skill: Proficiency in using TinkerCad or SketchUp to create a detailed and clear model of the safety system.

• Presentation: Clarity, organization, and persuasiveness of the presentation, including the ability to answer questions effectively.

Submission Requirements:

• A digital copy of your TinkerCad or SketchUp model.

• A written summary (200-300 words) explaining your design and how it addresses the identified problems.

• Presentation materials prepared for class.

This assignment encourages students to think like engineers, addressing real-world problems with innovative solutions. By integrating research, design, and presentation skills, students gain a comprehensive learning experience that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and communication.