BRIDGE Project 1

There are thousands of bridges in the world and many are failing. Many of these were built using old TECHNOLOGIES and some with newer technologies.

Some famous bridges are: Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California; Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, New York; Tower Bridge, in London, England; Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia, Firth of Forth Bridge in Scotland, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan, or Garabit Viaduct in Massif Central, France.

You may work individually OR in groups of two ( no more than 2)

While conducting your research, collect images that help illustrate your assigned bridge.

Once research is completed, students will work together in their groups to create a Powerpoint presentation about their assigned bridge. It should include maps, images of particular architectural features, information about the people or places most affected by the bridge, references comparing the bridge to other structures, etc.

GEOGRAPHY
-Where is this bridge located? What country, region, city, etc.?
-What areas are connected by this bridge?
-What is the topography of the land on both sides and underneath this bridge?
-How did this bridge transform the landscape? (Consider existing roadways and infrastructures both before and after this bridge was built).
-What factors helped shape the design of this bridge?
-How has this bridge affected the region positively, negatively, or both?

HISTORY
-When was this bridge built?
-Why was this bridge built?
-Who designed it?
-What people and organizations were involved in building it?
-Has this bridge ever undergone a catastrophe (either structural, weather-related or from a disaster)? If yes, how was this problem fixed?

TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
-What materials were used to build this bridge? Why?
-What types of transportation use this bridge?
-What technology was used for construction? Why?
-What is its span?
-What is its height?
-What kind of bridge is it?
-What type of architectural style was used?
-Why was this type of architecture employed to build this bridge?

Other items to consider: -What major piece of architecture defines your community? How?
-How important are cars in your daily life?
-How has reading this article changed the way you view bridges, if at all?
-How does mass transit play a role in your life?
-Do you think mass transit can be more effectively used in your area? Why or why not?