Spaghetti

Procedure:

1. Introduction to Forces:

   • Briefly discuss the four main forces acting on a bridge: tension, compression, torsion, and shear.

   • Explain how these forces affect the structure and stability of bridges.

2. Design Phase:

   • Sketching:

     • Each student or group will sketch their bridge design on graph paper, labeling the four forces acting on key components (e.g., beams, joints).

     • Encourage creativity in their designs while considering how to maximize strength and stability.

3. Building the Bridge:

   • Using uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows, students will construct their bridges based on their sketches.

   • Remind them to think about how to distribute weight and utilize the four forces in their designs.

4. Testing the Bridge:

   • Once the bridges are built, test their strength by gradually adding weights until the bridge collapses or deforms significantly.

   • Record the maximum weight each bridge can support.

5. Analysis and Discussion:

   • Have students analyze why some bridges performed better than others. Discuss how the design choices affected the distribution of forces.

   • Encourage groups to share their designs and what they learned from the testing phase.

6. Conclusion:

   • Summarize key concepts about forces and structural integrity. Discuss real-world applications in civil engineering and architecture.