Students explore balanced forces to develop a structure that can support heavy weight suspended above a flat surface.
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NGSS Performance Expectations
Summary of Module Activities
Classroom Activity #1 - Science Investigation: Shape Strength
Students learn the concept of a structure and investigate what makes a sturdy and strong structure using cardstock.
Classroom Activity #2 - Engineering Design: Sturdy and Strong
Students apply what they learned in the classroom science investigation to systematically develop and test how to build a structure that can support the weight of a heavy textbook.
MOXI Field Trip - Engineering Design Challenge: Bridge Building
Students are challenged to use simple materials to design and build a bridge that can support the weight of one student 6 inches off of the ground.
Classroom Activity #3 - Reflection: Revising Existing Engineering Plans
Students reflect on the classroom activities and field trip design challenge and use the knowledge they have gained to critically analyze three designs of bridges and offer improvements to the MOXI engineers for how the designs can be improved. Students write final recommendations in a letter to MOXI engineers.