Engineering Challenges
Engineering is necessary to understand and create the world around us! Check out the resources below for more information.
Trusses
Recommended for 2nd to 5th grade
Type: slideshow followed by research prompt
Lesson focus: What is a truss? How are trusses used in everyday life?
Activity: We learned about the truss bridge in this lesson, but there are other types of bridges too. Research these types of bridges and record their strengths and weaknesses.
Activity Materials: access to the internet
See slideshow for activity details
Spaghetti Tower Challenge
Activity Materials:
Version #1: 20 pieces of dry spaghetti, 1 yard of masking tape (and scissors), 1 large marshmallow
Version #2: 20 pieces of dry spaghetti, 30 mini marshmallows
See slideshow for activity details
Building Bridges
Recommended for 2nd - 5th grade
Type: lesson followed by three interactive activities
Lesson focus: What are the different types of bridges? What forces act on these bridges?
Activity: determine the best type of bridge given scenarios, use a simulator to see how forces affect bridges in real time, build your own basic bridge
Activity Materials: paper and writing utensil (optional), access to the internet
Activity 1: Follow this link to an interactive activity from PBS. First, read more about each type of bridge. Then, start the activity and pick the type of bridge you think would best fit each scenario.
Activity 2: Use this link and try the interactive activity about forces on each type of bridge.
Follow up activity: Want to build your own bridge? All you need is gumdrops/ marshmallows and some toothpicks. You can easily make a truss bridge or beam bridge with these materials. (see slideshow for image examples)
Activity details and links also included in the slideshow
Simple Machines
Activity Materials: ability to print a worksheet, pencils
Activity 1: See how simple machines are combined to make work easier in this PBS video.
Activity 2: Try this simple machines worksheet. The answers can be found here.
Follow up: Here is a reference sheet for simple machines
Activity details and links also included in the slideshow