STEPS FOR BRIDGE PROJECT

DATE DUE

PTS.

FIRST SEMESTER POINTS (150)

1. Inform teacher of project choice.

9/21

X

2. Define the following terms as they apply to bridge building and design:

compression, tension, span, stress, strain, load, truss, deck, girder, abutment. Show and discuss how they apply to bridges using labeled diagrams or a picture for each term.

10/5

10

3. Thoroughly describe the following types of bridges: arch, beam, suspension, truss and cable-stayed. For each type of bridge, also include a diagram of that type of bridge, a picture of an actual bridge of that type (can be from the internet), how they work (in terms of the compression and tension) and when each type might be used. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to each type of bridge? Be sure to cite your references.

10/19

25

4. Logbook check. Each person keeps their own logbook. Logbooks will be evaluated for thoroughness. (See handout on logbooks.)

11/2

10

5. What type of bridge would be best for this competition? Explain why you chose this type of bridge.

11/2

10

6. Provide detailed diagrams of the bridge design. Show both the top and side views. Designs should be neat, detailed, labeled, include dimensions and be completed on graph paper (with a ruler) or computer-generated. Discuss how you came up with this design. (When working on a team, each member should do ONE design on their own and then afterward decide as a team which one will be used in the competition.)

11/2

30

7. Completion of bridge. Bring completed bridge to school. The bridge will be evaluated on whether or not it met the design criteria (length, width, mass, etc). The bridge must meet all design requirements to qualify for an award.

1/7

35

8. Hopkinton Bridge Competition (after school)

~1/9

X

9. Final report (2-3 typed pages), required diagrams and logbook. (See details below.)

1/14

30

STEPS FOR B.U. DESIGN COMPETITION

SECOND SEMESTER POINTS (150)

11. Once the new B.U. rules arrive, you will be given a series of questions to answer about your initial design ideas for the car. These questions are dependent on the rules of the competition and will be made available once the rules arrive. (Team members should do this individually and then discuss their ideas with each other after turning it in.)

2/15

20

12. a. Provide detailed diagrams of the car design. Provide both a side and top view. Designs should be neat, detailed, labeled, include dimensions and be completed on graph paper (with a ruler) or computer-generated. Include location of motor, switches, gears, wiring and hackey sack. (When working on a team, each member should do ONE design on their own and afterward decide as a team which one will be built.)

     b. Discuss how you came up with these designs. (Address considerations from step 11.)

     c. Provide a materials list indicating what you will need to complete the vehicle.

2/29

20

13.  First vehicle check: Show your vehicle to your instructor. At this point it is expected that you will have built a chassis, have attached the wheels, have wired the motor securely to the power source, and the car can go forward on the floor.

3/20

20

14. Second vehicle check: Show your vehicle to your instructor. At this point it is expected that your car can go down the ramp, switch into reverse, climb up the ramp and complete at least one of the 3 other tasks (throw the sack, stop at the top, or knock down the flag).

4/11

20

15. Completion of the vehicle. Car will be graded on meeting design criteria (length, width, mass, etc) as well as its performance, and level of sophistication.

5/2

35

      Hopkinton Competition

~5/7

X

      Boston University Competition (optional)

~6/1

X

16. Final report, required diagrams and logbook (See details below.)

6/6

35