Dalton News

Second Grade Science Students Build Bridges Virtually

Second graders have been studying the structure and function of four types of bridges: beam, arch, truss, and suspension.
They learned how each bridge supports the roadway and when each type of bridge is used. For example, they discovered that arch bridges can be used to cross rivers or gorges and that the shape of the arch underneath the deck of the bridge transfers the weight of the load outward along the curve to the abutments, or supports, at either side of the bridge.

After using websites, videos, and articles to research their bridge design, students built one type of bridge both out of recycled materials and in the virtual world of CoSpaces. "Throughout their study of bridges, the students really enjoyed the opportunity to become engineers and work with their peers to overcome challenges they encountered in the design process,” said Associate Science Teacher Jake Henin. 

Check out some of these amazing structures by clicking here!

Story submitted by First Program Science Teachers Hope Donovan and Jake Henin
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