Today, our Grade 5 students proudly presented their Bridges That Failed projects—an exciting and hands-on exploration into the world of structural engineering. Over the past few weeks, students researched real-life bridges that collapsed due to internal and external forces, such as the Quebec Bridge, Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Silver Bridge, and the Upper Steel Arch Bridge.
Through this project, students investigated why these structures failed—whether due to material weaknesses, design flaws, or natural forces. They then applied their learning by constructing detailed model replicas of their selected bridges, using materials like popsicle sticks, glue, and string.
During the presentation, each group explained the history of their bridge, the reasons for its failure, and the key lessons engineers learned from these disasters. Their models showcased not just creativity, but a deep understanding of how science and engineering come together in real-world structures.
