Building Big Bridges

Website: Building Big
Grade: Seven
Subject: Science
Unit: Structures and Design

Within the Structures and Design unit in Grade 7 Science I would like to have my students examine different structures around the world. In this way, students can see the ways that science and technology relate to real life. The website Building Big provides basic information about different types of structures such as bridges, dams, skyscrapers, domes, and tunnels, and why/how each structure is built and used. In addition, the site provides tons of links so students can explore different structures around the world. Each link has a photo of the structure as well as information such as where it is, how it was built, why it is important, etc. I think it would be neat for students to explore some of these structures on their own.

Specifically, I would use this website as a sort of "peer-teaching" activity. Students will be divided into pairs and will each be assigned a particular structure (bridge, skyscraper, etc.). Each pair will research their particular structure on the website, finding out what it is, what it is used for, how it works, how it is built, etc. They will become the "experts". Next, each group will choose a SPECIFIC example of this type of structure (for example, the bridge known as "galloping gertie"). They will research this example on the Building Big website, but can also use outside sources such as other websites, books, or videos. Finally, students will complete the interactive activity that tests their knowledge on what they have researched. Activities include: The Bridge Challenge, The Skyscraper Challenge, The Dome Challenge, The Dam Challenge, and The Tunnel Challenge. These activities allow the students to become "engineers" responsible for building strong and safe structures for their city, giving them the opportunity to apply what they have learned.

Once this research phase is completed, students will get the opportunity to create a real-life model of a structure. Students could choose to replicate the specific structure they researched (such as the "galloping gertie") using materials available in class, or they could also choose to make a replica of a local structure. Finally, students could also choose to create their own structure from scratch, describing what it would be used for, how it would be built, etc. Students will then become the teachers as they present their structures from the class, along with a poster that describes the basic features of their structures (from the research phase). This can be turned into a mini engineer fair!

I think this website would be beneficial for students because it has a lot of visual images for students to look at. It also has real life examples of structures which makes student learning more relevant. In addition, the website has activities which require application of knowledge, rather than just regurgitation. Students actually get to build their own structures online, relating to the principles of effective structures. By having students become the experts, they will be more focused on learning and engaging with the website, so they are not just focused on "playing the games". They will need to know what they are talking about if they are going to teach others! If used effectively, this website has the potential to be an awesome resource!

If you're interested in some other ideas or resources for this unit on Structure and Design, check out my Hotlist.