Engineering Feats! Building Bridges

CALENDAR EVENTS

11/8 & 11/9 Parent Conferences, ASP Open

11/12-16 Book Fair, Reception Room, Flood Mansion
11/15 2:00 PM,  Harvest Celebration, Meet in Little Theatre
11/16 St. Philippine Mass - Dress Uniform, NOTE: Singing is Canceled
*11/16 - Parents: Come in to View Bridges, 7:55-8:10 AM
11/19 - 23 Thanksgiving Break - No Classes
11/30 NOTE: Singing is Canceled

HARVEST CELEBRATION

Families are invited to join us on Thursday, November 15th for a short variety performance including music and poetry. Immediately following the program, there will be a reception in the foyer area outside the Little Theatre. Light refreshments will be served!

From Engineering is Elementary (EIE)

JAVIER BUILDS A BRIDGE

First graders have started an engineering unit about bridges. The literature selection, Javier Builds a Bridge sets the stage for the design challenge. During lessons the girls are learning vocabulary, building models, and applying concepts in stability and strength. In their role as civil engineers, girls built three bridge models: beam, deep-beam, and arch. They tested how much weight each one would hold before collapsing (failing). Girls shared observations with partners and recorded data in their notebooks. 

Testing Bridge Models: How Many
Weights Will It Hold Before Failing?

Counting Weights on Bridge

Recording Data in Notebooks

Building Arch Bridges

Where Did the Bridge Collapse?

NOTEBOOKS: IMAGINE & PLAN

First girls sketched their own bridge ideas. Next they shared ideas with their partners. Then they collaborated on a single bridge design.

Sharing Bridge Sketches

Collaborating on Bridge Plans

BUILDING BRIDGES: CREATE & IMPROVE

After gathering materials listed on their plans, girls started building their bridges. Throughout the process, they tested bridges for strength and stability. Girls made improvements on their designs when bridges failed to hold the weight of a car going across.

                                                                                      

Building Abutments

Squares with Cylinders Inside

A Pair of Square Abutments

Triangle Abutments

Applying Bridge Construction Models:
Deep Beam (above) & Arch (below)

Using Sticks for a Stronger Span

Design Features

Tunnel Over the Bridge

Safety Rails Along the Sides

Stairs to Walkway Above the Bridge

Final Work Session: Finishing Touches

Signage for the Bridges

Science & Engineering Notebooks

Writing Reflections About Bridges

SAVE the DATE!

Friday, Nov. 16 at AM Drop Off:
View Bridge Designs @ 7:55 - 8:15 AM