Learning About Bridges
Lions Langdon and Leonie are pleased to present their education kit – Learning about Bridges!
Learning about Bridges offers 12 chapters on the basics of bridge building, aimed at children aged 8-11 years (Key Stage 2). It is available to download as two complete books, or as a series of individual sessions with accompanying handouts.
Each session includes a range of activities that can be used individually or as part of a longer session for afterschool clubs and home-schooling as well as for classroom use. The sessions can be used individually or the whole kit can be used for a term long programme.
By clicking the download buttons below you agree to use the files for educational purposes only and not to redistribute without permission.
All Downloads
Volume 1
The complete first book, containing five chapters introducing bridges and key themes; beam bridges; truss bridges; arch bridges; and suspension bridges.
Volume 2
The complete second book, containing seven chapters about thinking like an engineer; loads and forces; enemies of bridges; bridge work; cable-stayed bridges; moving bridges; and cantilever bridges.
Individual chapters
Introductory chapter
An introduction to The Engineering Process, with Langdon the Lion or Leonie the Lion – take your pick!
Introductory chapter
An introduction to The Engineering Process, with Langdon the Lion.
Introductory chapter
An introduction to The Engineering Process, with Leonie the Lion.
Chapter Quick Links
Chapter A
Ai: Do we need Bridges?
Understanding what makes a bridge; why we need them; and why bridges are located where they are.
Aii: Loads and Forces
Learning about the forces that act in bridges; recognising tension and compression; and demonstrating the importance of balancing forces.
Aiii: Materials
What materials are used to build bridges? How can those materials be strengthened? And how does concrete work?
Aiv: Working with Water
Learning some of the techniques for building structures under water; and considering the challenges faced by civil engineers when designing bridges.
Chapter B
Bi: Beam Bridges – The First Bridge
What is a beam bridge and how did they first come about?
Bii: Beam Bridges – Simple but Strong
Apply previous learning of forces and loads to build and test a beam bridge. Discover the limitations of this structure.
Chapter C
C: Truss Bridges – What is a Truss?
Understanding the significance of triangles for bridge building; exploring the designs of truss bridges; and learning the terminology for the different variations.
Chapter D
Di: Arches – The Science of Arches
An introduction to the arch bridge and the dissipation of forces.
Dii: Arches – Ancient and Strong
Learning that centring was an important part of Roman arch building; and demonstrating understanding by building an arch bridge.
Chapter E
Ei: Suspension Bridges – Hanging Tough
Discover how transferring loads can make a bridge stronger; and an introduction to the suspension bridge.
Eii: Suspension Bridges – Tacoma Narrows Case Study
Find out what happens if a bridge doesn’t transfer loads well, and consider why the Tacoma Narrows Bridge failed.
Chapter: Interesting Bridges
Interesting Bridges
A selection of profiles introducing interesting bridges from around the world.
Chapter F
F: Thinking like an Engineer. Different roles in Civil Engineering
Learning the core thinking behind being an engineer; as well as developing and evaluating different engineering habits and skills.
Chapter G
G: More Loads and Forces
A more in-depth look at the forces that act in bridges and other structures.
Chapter H
Hi: Enemies of Bridges – The Environment
Learning about some of the environmental impacts that can affect bridges.
Hii: Enemies of Bridges – Humans
Recognising the impact of people on the bridges they use.
Chapter I
I: Bridge Work
Discover a range of real-life challenges faced by engineers working on bridges.
Chapter J
J: Cable-Stayed Bridges
An introduction to cable-stayed bridges; understanding the differences and similarities with other bridges; and learning how this type of construction can make very long bridges.
Chapter K
K: Moving Bridges
Learning about different types of moving bridge and how they can affect the things around them.
Chapter L
Li: Cantilever Bridges – Introduction
Discover cantilevers and learn to identify them; build a simple cantilever bridge.
Lii: Cantilever Bridges – The Tay Bridge Disaster
Applying an historical context to engineering and understanding how environmental factors can play their part.
Liii: Cantilever Bridges – Bridging the Forth
The historical engineering context for the Forth Bridge; and the advantages of cantilever bridges in certain contexts.
Glossary
Further Resources
Further Resources
A selection of links and additional resources that can be helpful when learning about bridges.