Lesson Plan: Building a Sustainable Bridge

Subject: Technology

Year Level: Year 3 (Ages 7-8)

Duration: 45 minutes

Class Size: 30 students

New Zealand Curriculum Links:

• Technology: Technological Practice and Technological Knowledge, Level 1 and 2

  • Outcome Development and Evaluation: Understand that technology is purposeful intervention through design.
  • Technological Products: Understand that materials can be formed, manipulated, and transformed to enhance the fitness for purpose of a product.

  New Zealand Curriculum - Technology

Lesson Objective:

Students will explore the concept of sustainability and apply their knowledge to design a bridge from Tauranga to Mount Maunganui using recycled materials. This project focuses on creative problem solving and understanding the environmental impacts of building materials.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe what sustainability means in the context of civil engineering.
2. Identify recycled materials that could be used in construction.
3. Propose a model bridge design that incorporates recycled materials and fulfills the functional requirements.

Resources:

• Recycled materials (cardboard, plastic bottles, old newspapers, fabric scraps)
• Basic craft supplies (scissors, tape, glue)
• Pictures of existing bridges for inspiration
• Whiteboard and markers
• Computers or tablets with internet access (optional for research)

Lesson Plan:

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Engaging the Class: Begin by showing images of various famous bridges around the world and a map highlighting Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.
2. Introduction to Task: Explain the project funded by the local council looking to build a new sustainable bridge using recycled materials. Emphasise the importance of this project for local community and environment.
3. Discussion: Ask students what they know about bridges and recycling. Introduce the term 'sustainability' in the context of building and using resources.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Group Work: Divide students into groups of 5. Each group receives a set of materials for constructing a model bridge.
2. Design Phase:
   • Each group sketches their bridge design on paper.
   • Discuss as a group how each material could be used efficiently.
3. Building Phase:
   • Students build their bridge models according to their designs using the recycled materials.
   • Encourage experimentation and adjustment of designs as needed.

Presentation (5 minutes)

1. Sharing Designs: Allow each group to present their bridge. They should explain:
   • Why they chose their design.
   • The materials used and why these are sustainable choices.
   • How their bridge meets the needs of connecting Tauranga to Mount Maunganui.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Reflection: Lead a discussion on the experience. Ask students:
   • What challenges did they face while building the bridge?
   • How did they overcome these challenges?
   • What did they learn about sustainability and construction?
2. Wrap-Up: Summarize the key points learned during the lesson and reiterate the importance of sustainable practices in everyday life.

Assessment:

• Formative Assessment: Observe group collaboration and problem-solving skills during the building phase.
• Summative Assessment: Evaluate the final bridge models and group presentations based on creativity, use of recycled materials, and understanding of sustainability.

Extension Ideas:

• Students can research real-life examples of sustainable architecture and present their findings to the class.
• Plan a field trip to a local recycling center or a civil engineering project to see sustainability in action.

This lesson plan aims to foster environmental awareness among students and encourages them to think innovatively about how everyday materials can be repurposed in engineering and construction.