WV State Standards: Math: M.S.7.1, M.O.7.1.3, M.O.7.3.4, M.O.7.4.1 National Standards:  Math: 1, 2, 3, 4 Blooms Taxonomy: Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis 21st Century Skills: Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity, CriticalTthinking and Systems Thinking, Problem Identification, Formulation, and Solution, Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Overview:

In this lesson, students review operations on integers, decimals, and fractions in addition to linear distance measurements.  Then students will create a working drawing (blueprint) of their bridge. Students will consider engineering principles during the design and construction of their model bridge.

Objective(s):

M.S.7.1 Through communication, representation, reasoning and proof, problem solving, and making connections within and beyond the field of mathematics, students will

• demonstrate understanding of numbers, ways of representing numbers, and relationships among numbers and number systems,
• demonstrate meanings of operations and
  how they relate to one another, and compute fluently and make reasonable estimates.

M.O.7.1.3 using simple computation and problem-solving situations, demonstrate fluency and justify solutions in performing operations with rational numbers including negative numbers for

• adding
• subtracting
• multiplying
• dividing

M.O.7.3.4 pose and solve ratio and proportion problems including scale drawings and similar polygons.

M.O.7.4.1 select and apply an appropriate method to solve (including, but not limited to, formulas) justify the method and the reasonableness of the solution, given a real-world problem solving situation involving

• perimeter
• circumference
• area
• surface area of prisms (rectangular and triangular) volume of prisms and cylinders
• distance and temperature (Celsius, Fahrenheit )

Time Required:

Two 45 minute class periods

Pre-Requisite Skills:

Students should have prior experience in computation of integers and decimals and measuring linear distances.

Calculators for each collaborative pair

Instructional Materials:

Graph paper
Rulers
Calculators

Procedure:

1. Review operations on integers, decimals and fractions using a calculator.  Demonstrate the proper keystrokes and methods of checking calculations.  Have students work problems to assure understanding.
2. Have the students measure objects in the classroom using a ruler, yard stick, and measuring tape.  Discuss proper units and appropriate tools for the specific task.
3. Have the students decide the type of bridge they will construct and make a scale drawing of the bridge on graph paper. These sites have example scale drawings of bridges:

• ABCD site
• Bridge Basics
• NOVA

Differentiated Instruction:

Many learning styles and intelligences will be addressed in this lesson including linguistic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, math/logic, spatial, and kinesthetic. 

The scale drawing/design of the bridge serves as the 21st Century assessment for this lesson.