Bridge Over West Virginia Waters
 Lesson 2

Grade Level: 5

Subjects: Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, Technology

Learner Outcomes: The student will research a given West Virginia bridge and produce a written document summarizing key points.

Duration of Lesson: Three to five 45 minute sessions, depending on student word processing skill level 

Materials: handouts: Bridge Data Table, Basic Bridge Types Handout

Technology Tools: Computers with Internet and printer, Microsoft Word, or other word processor

Teacher Notes: 

  • Make copies of handouts for each student.
  • Determine most effective 2-3 person student groups.
  • Review Internet use policy prior to lesson.
  • Students should be familiar with Microsoft Word.  See Tutorial .
  • Invite computer-literate volunteers to serve as mentors during word processing activity.
Procedures: 
  • Review bridges types from Lesson 1 (Basic Bridge Types Handout).
  • Assign students to groups and explain deadlines.
  • Assign student groups to research the following West Virginia bridges: Wheeling Suspension Bridge, Huntington East End Bridge, Point Pleasant Silver Bridge, New River Gorge Bridge, Philippi Covered Bridge, Simpson Creek Covered Bridge, Barrackville Covered Bridge, Indian Creek Covered Bridge, Carrollton Covered Bridge, Herns Mill Covered Bridge.
  • Give directions for completing Bridge Data Table and Bridge Concepts Worksheet, and assign.
  • Check completed worksheets for accuracy and return. (Information items for some topics may not be available, especially on the covered bridges.)
  • Review writing process (prewrite, draft, edit, publish).
  • Assign research report and deadline.  Students are to incorporate worksheet data and other relevant information found on the Internet into a 1-2 page research report. Each group is responsible for a hard copy of the report.
Modifications: assign students to work with peer helper or volunteer mentor, preferential seating for students with visual/auditory needs, other modifications according to IEP

Enrichment Activities: Students may find further information on: Cable-Supported Structures,  Famous Bridges

Evaluation/Assessment: Group Assessment Rubric

WV State IGOs:

Science
Language Arts
Social Studies
5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 5.7, 5.13, 5.17, 5.65 5.16, 5.27, 5.60, 5.61, 5.155, 5.172, 5.180, 5.182, 5.186 5.12, 5.26, 5.49

National Standards:
Language Arts
Geography
Technology
1.2.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.7, 4.2.8, 7.2.1, 7.2.5 11.2.5, 12.2.5, 14.2.1 2.2.1, 2.2.2

References:
Covered Bridges of West Virginia
Huntington East End Bridge
New River Gorge Bridge
Wheeling Suspension Bridge
Point Pleasant Silver Bridge Disaster


Authors:
Renee Anderson
Linda Cline
Anita Pugh
 
 
 

Overview Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5