Design A Bridge - Triangle Congruence

You may have asked the question, "When are we ever going to use Geometry in the real world?". Well, architects use Geometry everyday by building bridges! One way architects build bridges is by using triangle congruence. 

We’ve talked about the difference types of triangles:

Isosceles triangles - triangle with two congruent sides and two congruent angles

 

Equilateral Triangles - triangle with all angles congruent and all sides congruent 

 

 

And Scalene Triangles - a triangle with no sides or angles congruent

 

 

The main job for architects is to build a durable bridge that is able to sustain a huge amount of weight without falling apart. Would a train be able to travel across the bridge? How can I build a bridge with the support of triangles?

 

Let’s now put ourselves in the shoes of architects and research the different types of bridges. Then, we will see if you able to make your own durable bridge!

 

 

Your mission – You will use the web to help you gather important information needed to build a durable bridge of your own. There are many ways in which you can execute building a bridge. But, can it sustain tons of weight that passes through daily?

First, you will go to your online textbook and answer questions about triangle congruence as a review on the properties you should have prior knowledge about. This will serve as your review before you build your bridge. Second, you will analyze different types of bridges and determine the reasons why you would or wouldn’t use those bridges. For the third task, you will test the construction of your bridge. And for the last step, you will draw your final bridge on construction paper and turn it in, in the “Turn – In” bin once complete.

PART 1: You will go to your online textbook and log into your account.

You will complete the assignment that is assigned at the very top that is titled ‘Triangle Congruence Review’. Be sure to show your work on a separate sheet of paper and turn that paper in at the end of the WebQuest along with your other work.

Click here to go to your online Textbook

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PART 2: Now, let’s analyze the different types of bridges! Why use one bridge over the other? Research each type of bridge by clicking on each picture below; that will lead you to it's website. Write two reasons why you would use that bridge and two reasons not to use the bridge.

 

Arch Bridge

 

Beam Bridge

 

Cable-stayed Bridge

 

 

Cantilever Bridge

 

 

Suspension Bridge

 

 

Truss Bridge

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PART 3: You will now play a fun game! This game allows you to start constructing your bridge. This game also allows you to see how you can build a sturdy bridge through the use of different triangles. Once you have built a bridge that is sturdy and does not fall apart, you will keep that bridge on your screen so you may use that as a guide for your final drawing of your bridge.  

 

https://www.crazygames.com/game/construct-a-bridge

 

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PART 4: Find a place in your town where a bridge could be installed. Draw a diagram of the bridge you would build. Include at least two congruent triangles in your design. Include measurements on your design, including the angle measures and side lengths of the congruent triangles.

*** You should be using your bridge from STEP 3 as your guide.

At the bottom of your drawing; explain why that particular type of bridge is appropriate for the location. Include notes on projected load and weather conditions.

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YOU TILL TURN IN YOUR FINAL DRAWING ONCE COMLETE WITH ALL THE STEPS ABOVE.

 

Rubric
PART 1: Triangle Congruence Review	0 pts Student answered 15 questions with 0%-29% accuracy.	5 pts. Student answered 15 questions with 30%-50% accuracy.	10 pts. Student answered 15 questions with 65%-79% accuracy.	15 pts. Student answered 15 questions with 80%-89% accuracy.	20 pts. Student answered 15 questions with 90%-94% accuracy.	25 pts. Student answered 15 questions with 95%-100% accuracy.
PART 2: Analyze six different types of bridges	0 pts Student did not analyze the six different types of bridges. Did not provide 2 reasons why to use the bridge. Did not provide 2 reasons why you should not use the bridge.	5 pts. Student analyzed only 1 bridge providing 1-2 reasons why to use the bridge and 1-2 reasons not to use the bridge.	10 pts. Student analyzed only 2 bridges providing 1-2 reasons why to use the bridge and 1-2 reasons not to use the bridge.	15 pts. Student analyzed only 3-4 bridges providing 1-2 reasons why to use the bridge and 1-2 reasons not to use the bridge.	20 pts. Student analyzed only 5-6 bridges providing 1-2 reasons why to use the bridge and 1-2 reasons not to use the bridge.	25 pts. Student analyzed each bridge (6) providing 2 reasons why to use the bridge and 2 reasons not to use the bridge.
PART 3: Constructing Your Bridge	0 pts Student did not use the website to construct a bridge and/ or did not construct a bridge.	5 pts. Student used the website provided and constructed an unstable bridge and did not use triangle congruence.	10 pts. Student used the website provided and constructed a rocky bridge but did not use  triangle congruence.	15 pts. Student used the website provided to construct a sturdy bridge but did not use triangle congruence.	20 pts. Student used the website provided and constructed a rocky bridge but did attempt to use  triangle congruence.	25 pts. Student used the website provided to construct a sturdy bridge using triangle congruence.
PART  4: Final Drawing	0 pts Student did not complete the final drawing of their bridge with. Student did not explain why the particular type of bridge is appropriate for their location. Did not include notes on projected load and weather conditions.	5 pts. Student did not complete the final drawing of their bridge with. Student did explain why the particular type of bridge is appropriate for their location. Did include notes on projected load and weather conditions.	10 pts. Student completed the final drawing of their bridge with 80%-100% accuracy using triangle congruence. Student did not explain why their particular type of bridge is appropriate for the location. Did not included notes on projected load and weather conditions.	15 pts. Student completed the final drawing of their bridge with 80%-89% accuracy using triangle congruence. Student also explained why that particular type of bridge is appropriate for the location. Included notes on projected load and weather conditions.	20 pts. Student completed the final drawing of their bridge with 90%-95% accuracy using triangle congruence. Student also explained why that particular type of bridge is appropriate for the location. Included notes on projected load and weather conditions.	25 pts. Student completed the final drawing of their bridge with 100% accuracy using triangle congruence. Student also explained why that particular type of bridge is appropriate for the location. Included notes on projected load and weather conditions.
	Total Possible Points: 100%

 

 

After this assignment is complete, students will have a better understanding of how geometry is used in architect. Students will have the knowledge on the properties of congruent triangles and how those triangles are used to build everyday structures such as bridges. Hopefully students are able to answer the important question; “When is geometry every used in the real world?”. Students will learn that the answer to that question is yes!

This assignment allows for students to use their knowledge of everything we have learned thus far in this course. By completing this WebQuest, students have gained a connection between the real world and their geometry knowledge.

Students should be able to follow each step easily; the only recourse needed is Google.com. If your district does not have access to the textbook link that is given in Part 1; printing out a review worksheet of have the students complete an online Quizziz review for part 1 would suffice.

Students should be able to complete this assignment without much assistance. The main job for the teacher is to ensure all students understand directions given and guide them through technological difficulties if they arise.

This activity is a great cumulative activity for triangle congruence!