1. Real World Problem Solving

2.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zczJXSxnw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zczJXSxnw  Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Tacoma, Washington.  Opened to traffic on July 1, 1940  Collapsed on November 7, 1940 – now serves as artificial reef in Pugent Sound.  At the time, 3 rd longest suspension bridge behind Golden Gate Bridge in California and George Washington Bridge in New York.

3.  Engineers test the materials used in construction of buildings, roads, bridges, etc, for durability, strength, and safety.  Testing models gives them the information in a manageable, cost efficient manner. Spaghetti is cheaper than steel, right?  Our activity will be similar to procedures used in testing the strength of bridge beams.

4.  Remember last year’s test of endurance through jumping jacks?  We’ve thrown Barbie from the stairwell…  We’ve determined how many trout will be in the pond next year…  ….but today will be different. There will be no pre-made handouts to help you. You will have to work with your group to problem-solve this one without my guidance!

5.  Will a box of uncooked spaghetti (minus the box) support the weight of a textbook?  Sorry… I’m short on supplies. Each group only gets 20 pieces of spaghetti. If there are any other supplies that you think you might need, ask. I’ll see what I have.  When you have answered the question, I will need a detailed, written explanation of how your group solved this problem. DUE NEXT FRIDAY.  There will be some class time tomorrow for you to complete this assignment.

6.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO9KAlzxJVg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO9KAlzxJVg