Burke's Blogging Dialogue

Tuesday's Bridges Are Terrific!

Please see Monday's post for more information. 

Bridge-illiant Engineers below...

American Bridge Building Association is above.

Below is the American Bridge Company's bridge.

Bridges Across America is below...

Monday's Bridges Are Marvelous!

Wow!  We have used all that we have learned about bridge engineering and collaborated with our company members to build a strong, cost effective bridge in a timely fashion according to blue prints.  We even improved our bridge using our grading rubrics to make it exceed expectations!  VERY SOON WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE BRIDGE BREAKING CEREMONY, but for now, take a look at Monday's bridges.  Directly below is "Le Cha Design's Bridge" and then you will see the bridge built by "Ultimate Connections."   

Westpoint Bridge Project

Many students have asked for the link again to access the free software for the "Westpoint Bridge Project."  You can use the program to create your very own "virtual bridge" and test it for strength! 

www.http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/index.htm

Lt. Ellis visits Friday's Third Graders

How lucky are we?  Well, on Friday we had a real detective come and visit our third grade Target students.  He spoke with us about his job as a detective and the thinking skills he uses everyday.  It was amazing to see that he creates logic puzzles to help sort out clues, including a suspects modus operatus, evidence left at the scene of the crime, time of crime and point of entry.  Once this logic chart is created, and all of the facts sorted, solving a crime becomes a complicated puzzle, just like the ones we do in class.  Lt. Ellis gave us an opportunity to solve an actual burglary crime he helped solve years ago.  We did a super job while we solved the crime together.  Of course, we sent Lt. Ellis thank you notes, because we really learned a lot and appreciate his exciting presentation! 

BUILDING INSPECTOR PAYNE HAS ANOTHER PICTURE TO SHARE

Thursdays bridges are seen in the photo below. 

BUILDING INSPECTOR MAKES SURPRISE VISIT TO BRIDGES TODAY!

Dear Students,

You did a fantastic job with your resume writing and now have been hired by a company to build a bridge.  Not just any bridge, but one that will exceed all of the expectations given on the yellow grading rubric.  Remember to use all that you have learned...forces that act on bridges, bridge designs, building codes and the detailed technical reports...to help your company build a strong, safe bridge according to  your blueprint design.  Unfortunately, you have a set amount of money budgeted and must purchase supplies from the "I Saw Warehouse," which seems to have a monopoly, and it is not a game!  During the building process, you are often visited by the frightening, Building Inspector Payne.  She gives fines for messy areas, not using grading rubric, building code, blueprints, students not working, you name it!  You all can do this, but it will not be easy...but, who said bridge building was going to be easy!

Surprisingly enough, Building Inspector Payne stopped by after school yesterday to visit all of the bridges you have made.  The inspector took pictures (one of herself, yikes!) for you to share with your parents about the progress that has been made in your bridge building.  I will share this first...

                                       

Those eyes never blink.  I guess that's why Building Inspector Payne never misses a thing!  Here are some "bits and pieces" of the inspection report she left for me.

"The 'I SAW Warehouse' was closed, and it doesn't surprise me at all.  Mr. Woody Formica, the owner of this establishment, knows that he is the only warehouse in town that the students can use.  His motto is, 'I have a monopoly, and it's not a game.'  Boy, does he ever! I couldn't believe the cost of lumber and welding materials.  It is outrageous!  What is most annoying is his comment on the sign on the front of the warehouse that says, 'If you don't like my prices, the hours I keep, or the service that you're getting, go somewhere else.  Whoopsie, there is no where else.'  I guess that is what is meant by a monopoly.  Students must beware, plan ahead and be sure they budget enough money to complete building, while dealing with this monopoly." 

Here is the picture taken of the Monday bridges (see photo to the right.)  Le Cha Designs is the bridge on the right in the picture and Ultimate Connections is the bridge on the left side of the picture.                                       

Tuesday's companies have built the bridges below.  From left to right we have, Bridge-illiant Engineers, American Bridge Company, American Bridge Building Company and Bridges Across America.                                                   

Whodunnit Above and Beyond Menu

Please click below to find a copy of the project menu that was sent home last week.  Download above_and_beyond.doc

You may also click to see the "Above and Beyond Grading Rubric" in the section below...

Bridges Above and Beyond Projects

Please read the post earlier about suggestions when completing your "Above and Beyond Project."  You can click on the link below to see a copy of the menu...Download above_and_beyond_menu.doc

As you plan your project,  please keep in mind that it is due in class the week of November 12th.  You may also click below to see the "Grading Rubric" that you were given in class when this was assigned. 

Download above_and_beyondrubric.doc

I hope you enjoy this project and am looking forward to our big sharing day!