Tenafly Chabad Academy eighth graders have been engaged in an exciting and immersive physics curriculum this year, and their culminating project involved designing and constructing bridges. This project has provided them with a hands-on opportunity to apply their knowledge of physics principles to real-world engineering challenges.
Throughout the project, students were tasked with selecting a specific type of bridge and utilizing their understanding of physics to assess its structural integrity and load-bearing capacity. By conducting rigorous calculations, simulations and experiments, they have been able to determine whether their chosen bridge design is capable of withstanding significant weight.
Remarkably, one of the bridges has proven to be incredibly robust, demonstrating its ability to support the full body weight of an eighth grader. This achievement not only highlights their application of physics principles but also showcases their creativity and problem-solving skills.
By engaging in such a project, students have gained a profound understanding of the practical implications of physics in the field of engineering. They have learned how to analyze structural forces, consider materials’ properties, and make informed decisions to create bridges that are not only functional but safe.
This project has fostered a sense of teamwork and collaboration among the students as they worked together to design, build and test their bridges. They have learned the value of effective communication and cooperation, essential skills for any engineering endeavor. These projects serve as a testament to their growth as budding scientists and engineers.