Science/Engineering Unit 1 - Learning the Engineering Process and Working as a team! Engineers use this process below to help them think of problems and solutions 1. Ask 2. Imagine 3. Create 4. Design 5. Test and Evaluate
In order to understand the process, we researched about the Tappan Zee Bridge and how it was being rebuilt due to the unstable design. After learning about the causes of it's deteriorating state, third graders imagined, created, designed, and tested a model of their own bridges using gumdrops and toothpicks. We then tested and evaluated our bridges.
The goal was to create a bridge out of gumdrops and toothpicks that can hold 100 grams across a 6 inch gap. We used square tiles for our grams and the tables in our classroom to create the 6 inch gap. Some bridges were quite stable then others due to its design. We then improved and redesigned our bridges after evaluating our first original bridges. We learned to work with our partners. It was so exciting to watch them test out the bridges.