The LEGO Bridge: A Masterpiece of Engineering and Creativity
The LEGO bridge is a marvel of engineering and creativity, showcasing the endless possibilities of the beloved building blocks. With its intricate design and impressive strength, the LEGO bridge is a testament to the ingenuity of its builders and the versatility of the LEGO system.
The Design and Construction of the LEGO Bridge
The LEGO bridge is a truss bridge, a type of bridge known for its strength and stability. The truss design allows for a reduction in the amount of material needed while still maintaining the bridge's structural integrity. The bridge's main span is constructed using a Warren truss, which is a particularly strong and efficient type of truss.
The LEGO bridge is built using thousands of individual LEGO bricks, each carefully placed and secured to create the overall structure. The builders used a variety of different brick types, including plates, beams, and connectors, to create the complex design. The builders also used advanced building techniques such as SNOT (Studs Not On Top) to create a more seamless and polished look.
The Strength and Stability of the LEGO Bridge
Despite its playful appearance, the LEGO bridge is a formidable structure capable of supporting significant weight. The bridge was tested with a load of over 1000 pounds, far exceeding the weight it would typically need to support. This demonstrates the strength and stability of the LEGO system, as well as the skill of the builders in creating such a robust structure.
The Educational Value of the LEGO Bridge
The LEGO bridge is not only an impressive feat of engineering, but it also serves as an educational tool. It allows children and adults alike to learn about the principles of bridge design and construction, as well as the strength and stability of different types of trusses. It also encourages creativity and problem-solving skills as individuals experiment with building their own LEGO structures.
Here is an exercise for your class:
Online Learning
Focus: Learning, Critical Thinking Skills
Peter Brown is an author we love. One of the articles we read to the clas is ‘You WILL Be My Friend!‘. In this story, Lucy is searching for a great friend in the forest. She approaches a pond, she needs to cross it. Ask your class, Can you help Lucy?
Here is a Lego Brick challenge for you!
Create a Lego Brick Bridge and see below for a video example.
video
Ask your students the following: Class, how will you test your bridge?
Then to the class: Share a picture of your Lego Brick Bridge.
NOTE: Our objective here is to teach the kids concepts:
- building materials
- height weight
- engineering , design, fuction
We want them to learn different approaches to thinking
- critical thinking skills and thinking out of the box
- plan , try things out, experiment
- work with other students
- ask questions, gather insights and information
- resiliency
- solve problems
Conclusion
The LEGO bridge is a true masterpiece of engineering and creativity, showcasing the limitless potential of the beloved building blocks. Its intricate design and impressive strength demonstrate the ingenuity of its builders and the versatility of the LEGO system. It serves not only as a visually stunning structure but also as an educational tool that encourages children and adults alike to explore the principles of bridge design and construction.
Additional Resources
If you're interested in learning more about the LEGO bridge or building your own LEGO structures, check out the following resources:
