European Union

European Union

1. HOW DO WE MAKE BRIDGES STRONG?

   • Truss bridges were the first modern bridges. They use triangles instead of arches to spread out. out of weight. Triangles can be grouped together, which makes them lighter and stronger than arched bridges.
   • Background: Building bridges has been one of the most important tasks in connecting cities and countries. The Romans mastered the arch bridge and built hundreds of them all around Europe. The arch shape evenly spreads the weight down to the bases. They were so strong that many structures are still standing today.
   • Materials: paper, ruler, pencil, lollipop sticks, wood glue
   • Task: In small groups, make a model of a bridge using the lollipop sticks and wood glue. The bridge should span a distance between two tables and use no more than 100 sticks.
     • Step 2: Begin building. Be careful and precise. The better built it is, the stronger it will be!
     • Step 3: Test your bridge by placing weight on it like books. Whose bridge is the strongest?
     • Step 1: Use the information on bridges on this page and draw out a basic plan before starting.

2. Page 25

Images and files in the map