Bridges to Math Comprehension by Jan Rottner

Objectives:

Students will collect bridge statistics to use for geometry identification and measurement calculations.

Grade level: 4 (appropriate for 4-6)

Materials:

1. Student Worksheets
2. Computer and Internet Access
3. Calculators

Internet Resources:

• Famous Bridges of the World: Various Bridges from around the world (http://www.civl.port.ac.uk/comp_prog/bridges1/)
• Geometry Connection: Internet Schoolhouse Connection (http://www.onr.com/schoolhouse/)

Procedures:

1. Have students do Worksheet #1 Part 1: Collecting Data (html) / (pdf). This can be done at a one computer station as a Math Center activity.
2. Have students follow the directions on this student page while on-line.
3. Have the students find length and width facts about 2-4 famous bridges. (Teachers Choice)
4. Students calculate the requested items on Worksheet 2 Part 2: Comparing Data (html) / (pdf) based on the decisions they made on the web site.

Evaluation:

Data collection and accurate computation will be evaluated using a 3 or 4 point rubric.

Extensions:

Write about any interesting facts you learned about Famous Bridges of the world while participating in this project. Explore Related Web Sites see the Extension Worksheet (html) / (pdf).

 

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California's Mathematics Academic Standards:

Grade 4:
Measurement and Geometry
1.0 Students understand perimeter and area.

1.1 measure the area of rectangular shapes by using appropriate units, square centimeter², square meter², square kilometer², square inches², square yard², square mile²
1.4 understand and use formulas to solve problems involving perimeters and areas of rectangles and squares. Use these formulas to find the areas of more complex figures by dividing the figures into basic shapes

3.0 Students demonstrate an understanding of plane and solid geometric objects and use this knowledge to show relationships and solve problems.

3.1 identify lines that are parallel and perpendicular

Mathematical Reasoning
1.0 Students make decisions about how to approach problems.

1.1 analyze problems by identifying relationships, discriminating relevant from irrelevant information, sequencing and prioritizing information, and observing patterns
1.2 determine when and how to break a problem into simpler parts

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December 1998/Revised August 26, 1999
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