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Assignment Discovery Online Curriculum Lesson title: Famous Bridges Grade level: 6-8, with adaptation for older students Subject area: Physical Science, Technology Duration: Two class periods Objectives: Students will: 1. Understand the benefits and drawbacks of different types of bridges. 2. Investigate the history and structural challenges of a prominent bridge. 3. Think about the challenges involved in building bridges. Materials: The class will need the following: • Computers with Internet access (optional but very helpful) • Reference materials on bridges Each group of three or four students will need the following: • Research material about a particular bridge (Web sites and books suggested below) • One long piece of butcher block paper • Pencils, colored markers, and crayons Each student will need the following: • One copy of the Classroom Activity Sheet: Bridge Research and • One copy of the Take-Home Sheet: Longest Suspension Bridges in the United States This lesson plan can be enhanced by purchasing a copy of the documentary Bridges: Design and Function at our School Store. The program airs on the Discovery Channel February 12, March 19, April 23, and May 28, 2001. Procedures: 1. Introduce the lesson by showing the class a picture of a popular bridge, such the Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco) or the Brooklyn Bridge (New York City). Ask students to imagine what might happen if all the bridges in New York City or San Francisco were suddenly shut down. Then help the class brainstorm some ways that bridges affect our lives. For example, 1

you could remind students that food and other essential supplies are often transported across bridges. 2. Gather an assortment of bridge photos from library books and Web sites. Ask students to look at some pictures and discuss ways in which the bridges are similar. Then ask the class to speculate on why many bridges are shaped differently and made of different materials. Finally, help students make a list of some of