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Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Project Introduction and Essential Question Exploration - Discuss the essential questions and introduce the concept and design of cable-stayed bridges. Students will brainstorm initial ideas and document their thoughts. (45 min)
Materials Exploration and Hands-On Experimentation - Students will examine various materials suitable for bridge construction, discussing properties and experimenting with balsa wood, string, and cardboard. They will document observations in their project journals. (45 min)
Bridge Design Challenge Launch - Students will work in teams to sketch preliminary designs for their cable-stayed bridge models. They will incorporate basic mathematical calculations and visualize their concepts using provided materials. (45 min)
Research and Information Gathering - Using digital and print resources, students will gather information on cable-stayed bridges, assessing credibility and accuracy while taking notes in their project journals. (45 min)
Reflection Circle and Plan Revision - Participate in a reflection circle to share insights and challenges encountered during the week. Students will revise their initial designs and plans based on feedback and self-reflection. (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Team sketches and initial design plans for cable-stayed bridge models.
2. Project journals with compiled research notes, source evaluations, and reflections.
3. A list of selected materials for each team's bridge model, with reasoning for choices based on material properties.
4. Feedback notes from peer discussions during the reflection circle.
Preparation 1. Gather materials such as balsa wood, string, cardboard, paper, and pencils for sketching.
2. Prepare a presentation on cable-stayed bridges, including images, videos, and case studies.
3. Curate a list of credible digital and print sources for students to use in their research.
4. Set up a virtual meeting with civil engineering students or faculty for weekly mentorship check-ins.
5. Arrange the classroom for team collaboration and brainstorming sessions.
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Advanced Materials Analysis - Students will conduct in-depth research on the properties of different materials and their application in cable-stayed bridges, documenting findings in their project journals. (25 min)
Design Revision and Peer Feedback Session - Teams will present their bridge design sketches to peers for feedback, focusing on materials selection and mathematical calculations. Students will revise designs based on the feedback received. (20 min)
Mathematical Concepts Application - Students will apply advanced mathematical concepts to refine their bridge designs, calculating load distributions and structural integrity. They will record calculations in their project journals. (25 min)
Introduction to Civil Engineering Mentorship - Civil engineering students from the university will join a virtual session to provide guidance and answer questions about bridge design, offering insights into real-world engineering challenges. (20 min)
Hands-On Bridge Model Construction - Students will begin constructing their cable-stayed bridge models using selected materials and incorporating revised design plans. They will focus on stability and load-bearing capacity. (30 min)
Reflection and Adjustment - Students will participate in a reflection circle to discuss construction challenges and successes, adjusting their approach based on peer and self-reflection. (15 min)
Field Trip Preparation and Research - Students will prepare for the upcoming university field trip by researching bridge construction techniques and formulating questions for professors and engineering students. (25 min)
Collaborative Design Review - Teams will conduct a review of each other's bridge models, evaluating design choices and mathematical calculations, and providing constructive criticism for further refinement. (20 min)
University Field Trip Experience - Students will visit the civil engineering department at the nearby university, observing real-world bridge construction and engaging in discussions with professors and students. (45 min)
Deliverables
1. A research journal documenting findings from multiple sources, highlighting areas of agreement and disagreement.
2. Refined bridge design plans that incorporate new research insights and peer feedback.
3. Test results and selected materials for the construction of the bridge model, with justification for choices.
4. A written narrative that explains the design process, material selection, and challenges encountered.
5. Reflection notes from the weekly reflection circle, detailing progress, challenges, and goals for the next week.
Preparation 1. Gather a variety of materials such as balsa wood, string, cardboard, and other construction supplies for model testing.
2. Provide access to digital and print resources on cable-stayed bridges for research purposes.
3. Set up a virtual check-in session with university civil engineering students to provide feedback on students' research and design choices.
4. Prepare a guide for students on how to document their research findings and design narratives, including citation standards.
5. Arrange the classroom space to facilitate small group discussions and material testing stations.
Week 3
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Activities
Bridge Construction Continuation - Students will continue working on their cable-stayed bridge models, focusing on completing the structure and ensuring stability. (30 min)
Engineering Mentor Feedback Session - Civil engineering students will provide feedback on the bridge models and offer suggestions for improvement during a virtual check-in. (15 min)
Load-Bearing Testing - Students will test the load-bearing capacity of their bridges using weights, documenting observations and calculating load distribution. (25 min)
Reflection and Design Adjustments - Participate in a reflection circle to discuss test results and design challenges, and make necessary adjustments to enhance load capacity. (20 min)
Research on Innovative Bridge Solutions - Students will research innovative solutions for real-world bridge construction challenges, documenting findings in their journals. (25 min)
Peer Critique and Revision - Conduct a peer review of bridge models, focusing on design choices and mathematical calculations, and revise models based on feedback. (20 min)
Collaborative Problem-Solving Session - Teams will brainstorm solutions to any issues identified during simulations, refining their bridge designs accordingly. (20 min)
Weekly Reflection Circle - Share insights and breakthroughs related to bridge design and construction, discussing challenges faced and solutions proposed. (30 min)
Preparation for 'Bridge Builders Expo' - Organize and practice presentations for the upcoming expo, ensuring clear communication of design process and mathematical principles. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Refined design plans incorporating peer and mentor feedback.
2. Partially constructed cable-stayed bridge model showcasing initial load-bearing capacity.
3. Documentation of observations and adjustments made during testing.
4. Feedback from peer review sessions.
5. Insights and recommendations received from university mentors.
Preparation 1. Gather and organize materials such as balsa wood, string, and cardboard for bridge construction.
2. Set up a virtual platform for students to connect with university mentors.
3. Prepare a rubric for peer review sessions to guide constructive feedback.
4. Coordinate the logistics for virtual check-ins with university mentors.
5. Ensure access to tools and equipment necessary for model construction, such as scissors, rulers, and adhesives.
Week 4
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Activities
Final Model Construction and Testing - Complete the construction of cable-stayed bridge models, focusing on ensuring stability and functionality. Test load-bearing capacity and document results. (25 min)
Peer Critique Session - Conduct a peer review of bridge models, exchanging feedback on design choices and mathematical calculations to refine final presentations. (20 min)
Exhibition Preparation - Work on preparing presentations for the 'Bridge Builders Expo', rehearsing explanations of design process, mathematical concepts, and engineering principles. (25 min)
Reflection Circle - Share insights and experiences from the project, discussing challenges and breakthroughs in understanding bridge engineering and math applications. (20 min)
Mentorship Check-In - Engage in a final virtual check-in with civil engineering mentors, receiving last-minute guidance and feedback on bridge models and presentations. (25 min)
Presentation Rehearsal - Practice delivering presentations to peers, refining communication skills and incorporating feedback for clarity and impact. (20 min)
Final Adjustments and Documentation - Make last-minute adjustments to bridge models and finalize documentation in project journals, including design sketches, calculations, and reflections. (25 min)
Expo Setup - Organize and arrange bridge models and presentation materials for the upcoming 'Bridge Builders Expo', ensuring readiness for showcase. (20 min)
Bridge Builders Expo - Host the exhibition where students present their cable-stayed bridge models and simulations to parents, community members, and university partners. Explain design process, mathematical reasoning, and engineering principles involved. (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Each student will present their completed cable-stayed bridge model at the 'Bridge Builders Expo', demonstrating its load-bearing capacity.
2. Students will provide a verbal explanation of their design process, including mathematical reasoning and engineering concepts applied.
3. Students will submit a project journal documenting their design process, research, sketches, reflections, and revisions.
4. Students will complete a self-reflection on their learning journey, including insights from peer and mentor feedback.
5. Students will gather feedback from expo attendees and incorporate it into a final reflection on their project's success and areas for improvement.
Preparation 1. Arrange the venue and set up the space for the 'Bridge Builders Expo', ensuring there are tables and display areas for each student's model.
2. Coordinate with university partners and community members to confirm their attendance at the expo.
3. Prepare feedback forms for the audience to use during the expo to provide constructive feedback to students.
4. Ensure all necessary materials, such as weights for testing load capacity, are available and organized for the exhibition.
5. Set up a digital presentation area for students to demonstrate their simulations alongside their physical models.