2nd Grade
Project
6 weeks
Bridge Builders: Safety in Every Span!
1-pager
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage second-grade students in a hands-on exploration of bridge design and safety through a series of interactive, real-world learning experiences. By researching famous bridges and their engineering marvels, students will develop an understanding of how structures are designed for stability and function. Through collaborative model-building activities, students will apply their knowledge to create their own bridge models using recycled materials, incorporating safety features inspired by their research. This project fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration as students present their findings and models to peers and community partners.
Learning goals
Students will explore the principles of engineering and safety by designing and building model bridges using recycled materials. They will learn to distinguish between models and real-world structures, understand the relationship between shape, stability, and function, and apply standard units of measurement in their designs. Through storytelling and virtual tours, students will investigate famous bridges, identifying key safety features and engineering challenges. By collaborating with peers and community partners, students will refine their models, present their findings, and reflect on their learning journey, enhancing their understanding of systems in the natural and designed world.
Standards
- K-2.AF.2.1 - Distinguish between a model and the actual object, process, and/or events the model represents.
- K-2.AF.2.3 - Develop and/or use a model to represent amounts, relationships, relative scales (bigger, smaller), and/or patterns in the natural and designed world(s).
- K-2.AF.2.4 - Develop a simple model based on evidence to represent a proposed object or tool.
- K-2.AF.4.2 - Use and share pictures, drawings, and/or writings of observations.
- K-2.AG.3.2 - Standard units are used to measure length.
- K-2.AG.4.2 - Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
- K-2.AG.6.1 - The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
- ESS.2.D - Weather and Climate
- K-2-ETS1-1 - Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
- K-2-ETS1-2 - Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
Products
Throughout the project, students will create sketches and drawings of bridge designs, documenting their observations and ideas. They will construct model bridges using recycled materials, integrating safety features inspired by their research on famous bridges. By the end of the project, each student will present their completed model bridge at a schoolwide exhibition, showcasing their understanding of bridge safety and engineering principles. Additionally, students will compile a portfolio of their work, including notes taken during the virtual 'Bridge Safari' and reflections from the 'Bridge Builders Gallery Walk'.
Launch
Kick off the project with an engaging 'Bridge Safari,' where students embark on a virtual exploration of iconic bridges worldwide using interactive online resources. Encourage students to take notes on the diverse designs and safety features they observe, fostering curiosity and sparking lively discussions. This immersive experience sets the stage for their upcoming hands-on bridge-building project.
Exhibition
The schoolwide exhibition will be a culminating event where students showcase their model bridges, highlighting the safety features they've integrated based on their research and design process. Students will present their work to classmates, teachers, community partners, and families, explaining the engineering concepts and safety innovations they explored. The exhibition will include interactive stations where visitors can engage with the models, ask questions, and learn about the students' creative problem-solving journey.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Introduction to Bridges - Engage students in an interactive storytelling session about famous bridges, highlighting their unique designs and safety features (30 min)
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Virtual Bridge Safari - Conduct a virtual tour of famous bridges around the world using online resources, encouraging students to take notes on designs and safety features (30 min)
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Bridge Observation Discussion - Facilitate a group discussion where students share their observations from the virtual tour and discuss the importance of bridge safety (30 min)
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Sketching Bridge Ideas - Guide students to sketch their own bridge designs, focusing on the incorporation of observed safety features (30 min)
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Bridge Model Planning - Assist students in planning their model bridge using recycled materials, ensuring they consider the shape and stability for safety (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed sketches of a favorite bridge design with labeled safety features.
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| Preparation |
1. Secure access to computers or tablets for the virtual 'Bridge Safari' tour.
2. Coordinate with the local library for the storytelling session and gather appropriate books and multimedia resources about famous bridges. 3. Prepare simple materials for the 'Bridge Basics' workshop, such as paper, blocks, and markers. 4. Create a list of guiding questions to facilitate discussions on bridge designs and safety features. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Bridge Storytime - Read and discuss a story about a famous bridge, focusing on its design and safety features to introduce key concepts (30 min)
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Bridge Design Sketching - Students create simple sketches of bridges, considering shapes and materials that contribute to stability (20 min)
Sketch Sharing - Share sketches with peers and discuss design choices to foster collaborative idea generation (10 min)
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Exploring Materials - Hands-on exploration of different recycled materials to understand how their properties can affect bridge stability (20 min)
Material Choice Discussion - Discuss and select materials for bridge models, focusing on safety and functionality (10 min)
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Model Building Basics - Introduction to building with recycled materials, emphasizing the importance of safety features (15 min)
Start Model Construction - Begin constructing simple bridge models using chosen materials, focusing on implementing safety concepts (15 min)
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Bridge Construction Continuation - Continue building bridge models, refining design and ensuring stability and safety features (20 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Share progress with peers and receive feedback on design and safety features to guide next steps (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Create a simple sketch of a model bridge incorporating basic shapes and safety features.
2. Participate in a group discussion about their sketches and safety features with classmates. |
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| Preparation |
1. Organize a virtual 'Bridge Safari' from the previous week, ensuring students have access to tablets or computers.
2. Gather books and multimedia resources from the local library for storytelling sessions. 3. Prepare materials for sketching: blank paper, pencils, and erasers. 4. Coordinate with the local library to schedule storytelling sessions. 5. Set up an area in the classroom for students to display their sketches and participate in discussions. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Bridge Design Brainstorm - Facilitate a session where students brainstorm ideas for their bridge models, focusing on innovative safety features (30 min)
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Material Exploration - Guide students in exploring different recycled materials for their bridge models, discussing the properties that contribute to strength and stability (30 min)
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Sketch Revision - Encourage students to revisit and revise their bridge sketches, integrating new ideas from their material exploration (30 min)
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Bridge Model Construction - Begin constructing bridge models using selected materials, emphasizing the incorporation of safety features from previous learning (30 min)
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Construction Progress Check - Facilitate a peer review session where students share their construction progress and receive feedback on their safety feature implementation (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Each student will create and submit a sketch of their bridge design, highlighting the safety features they plan to include.
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| Preparation |
1. Gather recycled materials for students to use in constructing their bridge models.
2. Coordinate with the local library to ensure storytelling sessions are scheduled and resources are available. 3. Prepare measurement tools such as rulers and measuring tapes for hands-on activities. 4. Set up areas for simulated stress-testing of bridge models, ensuring safety and accessibility. 5. Prepare discussion prompts to guide students in reflecting on their virtual tour observations. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Bridge Safety Features Exploration - Facilitate a session where students explore various safety features used in famous bridges and discuss how these can be applied to their own designs (15 min)
Sketching Safety Features - Guide students to update their bridge sketches, ensuring the inclusion of the discussed safety features (15 min)
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Material Testing Session - Conduct a hands-on activity where students test the strength and stability of different recycled materials for their bridge models (20 min)
Material Selection and Justification - Have students select materials for their bridge models and justify their choices based on the testing results (10 min)
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Bridge Model Construction - Continue building bridge models, focusing on incorporating selected materials and safety features (20 min)
Peer Feedback Exchange - Facilitate a peer feedback session where students share their progress and receive constructive feedback on their safety feature implementation (10 min)
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Safety Feature Workshop - Guide students in testing their bridge models against simulated stress conditions and make improvements based on feedback (15 min)
Documentation of Changes - Students document the changes made to their bridge models, explaining how these enhance safety (15 min)
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Finalizing Bridge Models - Allow students time to finalize their bridge models, ensuring all safety features are properly integrated (20 min)
Reflection and Sharing - Facilitate a reflection session where students share their learning journey and the safety improvements they incorporated (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised bridge models incorporating feedback and testing results
2. Written reflections on the changes made to bridge models and the reasons behind them |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather recycled materials for bridge model revisions
2. Prepare weights and materials for testing bridge models 3. Setup testing stations with appropriate safety measures 4. Organize feedback sheets for peer review during the gallery walk 5. Coordinate with local library for storytelling session on famous bridges |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Safety Feature Workshop - Students test their bridge models against simulated stress conditions and receive feedback on design improvements (30 min)
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Design Revision - Students revise their bridge models based on feedback from the Safety Feature Workshop, focusing on enhancing safety features (20 min)
Peer Collaboration - Work with classmates to share ideas and strategies for reinforcing bridge stability and safety (10 min)
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Detailed Model Enhancement - Refine and finalize bridge models, ensuring all safety features are incorporated and designs are stable (30 min)
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Bridge Builders Gallery Walk Preparation - Prepare presentations for the gallery walk, focusing on the safety features and design elements of their bridges (20 min)
Presentation Practice - Practice presenting bridge models and explaining design choices, receiving peer feedback to enhance clarity (10 min)
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Bridge Builders Gallery Walk - Present bridge models to classmates, teachers, and community partners, discussing safety features and receiving feedback (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised bridge model with annotated safety features.
2. Written reflection on the challenges and improvements made during the bridge testing and revision process. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather recycled materials for model bridge building such as cardboard, popsicle sticks, string, and glue.
2. Prepare a set of weights or small objects to simulate stress conditions for the 'Safety Feature Workshop.' 3. Create a feedback template to guide students in providing constructive comments during peer feedback sessions. 4. Set up a designated area for the 'Bridge Builders Gallery Walk,' ensuring there is space for each student to display their model. |
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| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Model Bridge Review - Facilitate a session where students review their completed bridge models, ensuring all safety features are present and functional (15 min)
Final Touches - Guide students in making any final adjustments and decorative touches to their bridge models for presentation (15 min)
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Presentation Preparation - Assist students in preparing short presentations about their bridge models focusing on design and safety features (20 min)
Presentation Practice - Allow students to practice their presentations with peers, receiving constructive feedback to improve clarity and confidence (10 min)
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Bridge Builders Gallery Walk Setup - Organize the classroom space to display students' bridge models for the gallery walk, ensuring all models are labeled and ready for exhibition (15 min)
Peer Feedback Forms - Provide students with feedback forms to fill out as they observe each other's bridge models, focusing on design and safety features (15 min)
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Bridge Builders Gallery Walk - Host the gallery walk where students present their bridge models, explaining the safety features and design choices to classmates and community partners (20 min)
Reflection and Feedback Discussion - Facilitate a group discussion where students reflect on feedback received and share insights gained from observing peers' models (10 min)
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Exhibition Setup - Prepare the exhibition space, arranging student bridge models and presentation materials for the schoolwide exhibition (15 min)
Exhibition Rehearsal - Conduct a final rehearsal of the student presentations, ensuring readiness for the schoolwide exhibition (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed bridge model with integrated safety features
2. Written reflection on the bridge-building experience 3. Presentation of bridge model at the schoolwide exhibition |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for finishing touches on bridge models (e.g., tape, markers, recycled materials)
2. Prepare reflection writing templates or prompts to guide students in their writing 3. Set up space for the 'Bridge Builders Gallery Walk' with areas for displaying models 4. Coordinate with families and community partners for the schoolwide exhibition attendance 5. Arrange exhibition space with tables for displaying models and seating for attendees |
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