TRUSS BRIDGE ACTIVITY - PUBLIC RECAP
Exploration Recap
Trusses are incredibly strong and stable, and engineers often use a truss design in bridges, steel buildings, roofs...even on the International Space Station! In the Truss Bridge Activity, Mathletes build and test a truss bridge between 2 chairs after watching an introduction led by NASA Education Specialist Eman Beck.
Materials Needed
- Truss Bridge: Chats with Change Makers Challenge video
- 20 straight (not flexible) drinking straws per group
- 1 small paper cup per group
- 1 scissors per group
- A handful of pennies (or other weighted objects) per group
- 1 roll of scotch tape per group
- 2 chairs per group
- 1 measuring tape or yardstick per group
- STEMonstrations: Engineering Design - Trusses video (optional)
A special thank you to DiscoverE for providing this activity, which was featured in their Chats with Changemakers series.
Not a club leader yet? Let's fix that!
Only registered math clubs can access this activity. Fortunately, for you, the National Math Club is completely free and open to both
schools and non-school groups. If you're a volunteer or educator leading 4 or more students in grades 6-8, you're likely eligible.
Learn more at the links below:
General Program Info | Program Rules & FAQ | MATHCOUNTS for Educators Resources