Embedded Files
Are you working by yourself or in a team?
I am working by myself.
What materials will you need for your project?
I will need the Starbees and an iPad
What is your plan to create in this project?
I plan to create a structurally strong bridge
What unique qualities will your project have?
It will not break when shaken or weight is applied.
House
Skyscraper
Bridge
Castle
Geometric shapes
Garage
Crane
Claw
Windmill
Launch Pad
Day 1
Day 1
I researched what bridges looked like and what makes them strong
Day 2
Day 2
I began making my bridge
Day 3
Day 3
I finished the bottom and added top supports
Day 4
Day 4
I added more supports to the bottom and the top
Day 5
Day 5
I finished the top supports and redesigned the bottom supports
IMG_0028.MOVUsing Starbees, I built a strong and stable bridge because I wanted to understand how real bridges can hold so much weight. While I was building it, I learned how each piece had to connect correctly to support the whole structure. This project helped me see how good design and careful planning make bridges safe and sturdy.
During this process, I learned why bridges are so strong. I found out how tension pulls on some parts of the bridge while compression pushes on other parts. These two forces work together to support the bridge and help it stay standing.
The seven standards of the class are Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Global Collaborator. My project connects to the Innovative Designer standard because I planned, constructed, and tested a strong bridge. By designing and building this bridge, I showed that I can use creativity and problem-solving to create an effective solution.
A challenge I overcame in this project was dealing with the fixed size of the Starbees pieces. I solved this problem by using the connectors together in different ways. This let me effectively change the length of the straws so my bridge design would still work.
Given a chance to do this project again, I would change the supports of my bridge. I would focus on making them stronger and more stable so the bridge does not wobble as much. I want to improve the design because it still feels a little flimsy.
Hastings High School’s Career and Technical Education program offers many options, including Agriculture, Business Management, Computer Programming, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Design, Finance, Insurance, and Marketing. My project connects to the Construction Trades program at Hastings High School. By designing and building a bridge, I practiced skills similar to those used in real construction work.
My project connects to careers in structural engineering because I designed and built a stable bridge. Structural engineers also plan and create structures like bridges that can safely hold weight. By working on this bridge, I practiced thinking and problem-solving like a structural engineer.
This written portion of the project was prepared with assistance from Perplexity AI, an online artificial intelligence writing tool.
Page updated
Report abuse