More is most definitely better when it comes to how much weight a bridge can hold. Just ask Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School’s Alanna Kaye, Carmelo Rodriguez, Julian Shepersky and Nina Scandurra.
“I was praying it didn’t break and I was definitely nervous,” recalls Scandurra who, along with partner Shepersky, tied with another seventh-grade team of Kaye and Rodriguez in a recent bridge building contest that closed out a Technology class unit on structural engineering.
Teacher Philip Dettelis first helped students explore such concepts as compression, tension, shape, friction and materials. He then tasked students with a bridge building contest using simple craft sticks and wood glue. Winners were decided by adding weights to the bridges until they crushed into splinters.
“I’m happy we won and proud the bridge held 130 pounds,” said Shepersky.
Design and craftsmanship were also considered.
“We used super thick pieces but broke them in half,” added Scandurra.
Many students worked on the project after school and during their lunch periods.
“It was how much time we spent on it,” said Shepersky, who is actually considering a career in architecture.
Visit the district's Facebook page to view pictures from the project.
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