Teacher: Richard Cronin Category: Bridge Building 101
Golden Gate Bridge Our class is proud to participate in the 2009 K'NEXpert Classroom Challenge. Our design is a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Our class chose to construct a suspension bridge and we spent time learning about the design advantages. As the cables bear the load, the class was amazed to see that the center of the bridge is actually elevated from the ends as it is given strength. They also learned that if the ends are anchored securely, the bridge can bear a tremendous load by the strength of the cables. We did various experiments to test the strength of the bridge. In one experiment, we placed over twenty textbooks on the bridge. In another, we placed a single 2 x 4 on the two center supports while a student took a walk across the bridge. You can note many similarities to the Golden Gate Bridge. The towers each have four rungs, the center supports have "X" shaped supports, and the bases at each end are modeled after the Golden Gate. Creating the bridge was a true team effort, and all of the work was done in the student's spare time. This included homeroom time, recesses and lunch times. It was quite enjoyable to see the levels of responsibility develop as some students emerged as master engineers. We look forward to our next personal classroom K'NEX challenge. We have already begun a working model of a Trebuchet. We appreciate your consideration in the K'NEXpert Classroom Challenge.
Teacher: Richard Cronin
