A project based learning activity

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Bridges
A project based learning activity
This activity is designed to familiarize students
with bridge types and their unique construction.
Along the way they will learn how forces act upon
the structure. Finally they will utilize that
knowledge to build and test their bridge.
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My Mission Statement.

• I will enable my students to set and pursue
  career goals. As I teach I want students to see
  this as more than a class but a way to think and
  organize their thought processes. I am more
  interested in their ability to problem solve than
  in their specific solution.
• I will set up my classroom as a haven for
  thought. I will model for my students an
  attitude of support and acceptance even when
  ideas run counter to my own. I will create in my
  class a place where reflection is encouraged.

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Why project based learning?
The European Journal of Engineering Education was
very specific in it's support of project based
learning with groups of students. In an article
titled "Electronic systems design an experiment
of project-based learning on network" the author
Markkanen states, "Engineering education is
facing a situation where learning approaches that
have trained students to work alone and
independently do not meet the needs of industry.
The education needs to be augmented by
collaborative approaches and by learning in real
working environments that reflect better the
requirements of today's organizations."
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A mini-project for you to try
Lets see how well you can bridge the gap Given
an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of paper you will make a
bridge that spans a 9 space. No other materials
or fasteners are allowed. Lets see whos bridge
will hold the most weight.
How does this work?
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What is the Bridge project?
Its a look at the how and the why of bridge
construction

• Teacher will introduce the four basic bridge
  types with a PowerPoint presentation.
• Students will research using the Internet for
  more in-depth information on bridges.
• Student will present their findings with their
  own PowerPoint presentation.
• Students will team up to brainstorm a bridge
  design. During this process they will use
  MDSolids to analyze its stresses and Inventor to
  draw a 3-D model.
• Finally student teams will construct their design
  using balsa wood then load them up to test their
  strength.

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httpimet.csus.edu/imet3/dcrane/bridge/
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Research supporting this type of learning
"Missing skills listed by the report include
critical thinking, learning skills, adapting to
new situations, communication skills, ability to
work in groups, team spirit, a sense of
responsibility, decision-making, sense of
initiative and creativity. Traditional teaching
is hardly the best approach for achieving these
types of personal skills that are strongly
demanded by industry." (Markkanen 2001)
"The results from this study suggest that a
technology-rich environment that promotes
collaborative, project-based learning can have an
effect on learning style. (Cohen 2001)
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Whether going under, traveling over or viewing
from afar. were all familiar with bridges.
Thank you!