Forces Bridge Diagram and Circle Geometry

Math:

This past week students reviewed how to calculate Area of a Parallelogram and a Triangle.

They then measured five circular objects and divided the circumference (C) by the diameter (d) to discover Pi. 

This led them to understanding the equations for circumference:

1. C = Pi x d

2. C = 2 x Pi x r 

They learned about the parts of the circle, including that radius (r) is half of the diameter (d). 

They also watched a Math Antics video to learn a little more about what is pi? 

The Math Antics Circles, Circumference and Area video is also quite helpful.

Students learned to calculate Area of a Circle 

This week students will learn to estimate the Area of a Circle with a fun, visual activity.

Science:

Forces Diagram of the Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong

Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong

Students' online research skills have been improving with the practice scavenger hunt and Cool Bridges Project. They had the opportunity to apply their understanding of internal forces to their bridge diagrams.


Students also had success designing the Have-a-Cuppa building challenge. This project encouraged them to think about their joints (how they connected materials together).

There was an equation for success:

Height (cm) x number of beans

The goal is to get higher numbers

Students designed some excellent projects and had a lot of fun!


This week students will have one last design project:
The Golf Ball Bridge

Monday they will be given time to design, build, and test their projects.

Should be a fun way to end the Structures and Forces Unit!!