Exploring the Four Types of Bridges
Year 3 Technology & Engineering Discovering how bridges work and why they're built differently
Beam Bridges - The Simple Solution
The most basic type of bridge A flat surface supported at both ends Like a plank of wood across a stream Best for short distances Examples: footbridges, small road bridges
Suspension Bridges - Hanging Strong
Deck hangs from strong cables Tall towers hold up the main cables Cables are anchored deep in the ground Perfect for very long distances Examples: Golden Gate Bridge, Severn Bridge
Bridge Building Challenge
Work in pairs to build a beam bridge using books and a ruler Test your bridge with toy cars Try building a simple arch with blocks Discuss: Which design holds more weight?
Arch Bridges vs Cantilever Bridges
{"left":"Curved shape spreads weight evenly\nMade from stone or concrete\nVery strong and long-lasting\nExamples: Roman bridges, Sydney Harbour Bridge","right":"Built in sections that meet in the middle\nEach section balances the other\nNo support needed in the water\nExamples: Forth Bridge, Quebec Bridge"}
Bridge Detective Challenge
Look at this bridge photo - which type is it? What clues helped you decide? Where might you find this type of bridge? Why did engineers choose this design?