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

2. 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

3. I. Technological Component
Kinds of Bridges
Beam
Arch
Suspension
Pontoon

4. I. Technological Component How Bridges Work
Science/Technology/Buildings_and_Bridges/
Article by Michael Morrissey
click on arch bridges, suspension bridges

5. I. Technological Component Flaws in Bridge Building
article by Michael Morrissey
additional bridge
forces
use of iron
solid surfaces

6. I. Technological Component Engineering as a Career

7. 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

8. I. Technological Component
Review quadratic inequalities, which would be suitable for use in the design of a suspension or arch bridge.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 3-D Bridge Model Designed by Tyler Fields

14. 3-D Bridge Poster Designed by Mary Beth Nichols

15. 3-D Bridge Model Designed by Logan Lovvorn