The Parabolic Bridge Project: Use of Parabolas in Bridge Design by Dr. K. VanFleet

Pre-Project Educational Requirements Students must have knowledge of the following algebraic concepts: solving quadratic equations and inequalities by factoring and through the use of the quadratic formula graphing both quadratic equations and quadratic inequalities

I. Technological Component Kinds of Bridges http://bridgepros.com/learning_center/ Beam Arch Suspension Pontoon

I. Technological Component How Bridges Work http://dmoz.org/Kids_and_Teens/School_Time/ Science/Technology/Buildings_and_Bridges/ Article by Michael Morrissey http://www.howstuffworks.com/bridge.htm click on arch bridges, suspension bridges

I. Technological Component Flaws in Bridge Building article by Michael Morrissey http://www.howstuffworks.com/bridge.htm additional bridge forces use of iron solid surfaces

I. Technological Component Engineering as a Career http://www.teachingtools.com/Slinky/engineers.html

I. Technological Component West Point Bridge Designer Students as Engineers use computer software to design and test bridge stability Components: Arch or Suspension Types of metal Thickness of metal Stability Expense

I. Technological Component Review quadratic inequalities, which would be suitable for use in the design of a suspension or arch bridge. http://matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/frames_asid_109_g_4_t_2.html?open=activities

II. Creative Component Each student must choose one of the following: a) Build a Model of a Bridge OR b) Create a 3-D Poster of a Bridge

II. Creative Component A) Build a 3-D Model Guidelines Type: Arch or Suspension Bridge Materials: toothpicks, popsicle sticks, wire, glue Required Length: 1 foot Required Width: min. 2 ½ in. up to a max. of 6 in.

II. Creative Component B) Create a 3-D poster Guidelines Create a 3-D poster of an arch or suspension bridge Materials: 1 full-size sheet of poster paper Requirements: a) a quadratic inequality representative of the bridge design, b) colorful, c) attached decoration to create 3-D effect such as moss, pebbles, etc.

Tyler Fields Mary Beth Nichols Logan Lovvorn II. Creative Component Finished products submitted by the following 9th grade students: Tyler Fields Mary Beth Nichols Logan Lovvorn

3-D Bridge Model Designed by Tyler Fields

3-D Bridge Poster Designed by Mary Beth Nichols

3-D Bridge Model Designed by Logan Lovvorn