Paper Bridge

 2 grades
◦ 1 for the FINAL built bridge
◦ 1 for a step by step presentation of what YOU did to
get to the final project
A step by step approach to solve a specific
problem
Design Brief

Research &
Evaluation Investigation

Testing Possible
Solutions

Final Product Final Solution

Prototype
 Is step 1 of 9 in the design process. It is used
to explain the objectives of the project, and
the specific end goal for the finished project
◦ This is always given to you, as the
Engineer/designer.

◦ Example: Using the tools and materials supplied by

the instructor, create a Paper Bridge that will hold the
most weight in the class
 Only 4 pieces of paper
 2 feet of tape
 Must be at least 10” in length
 No more than 2 ½” in width
 YOU CAN NOT STACK PAPER AS YOUR BRIDGE.
◦ It must look like a real bridge
 You can not tape the bridge to the wood
 You can bend, fold, cut, tape your paper to create
your different shapes
 Must have a flat on the top like a real bridge
◦ To hold the weight
 Keep a working google presentation and update it
every day! (Share with Mr. Sim)
 Step 2 of 9
 Its meant to be done in the beginning, to
support the idea in your head. Find things NO
ONE ELSE will find!
◦ What are the different classes of bridges?
◦ Is there a strongest type of bridge?
 Create a google presentation and keep track
of everything. Include at least one slide for
each of the Design Process steps
 Start a google presentation with a partner.
◦ Share it with me and your partner
◦ Include at least one slide for each of the Design
Process steps
 Begin to research bridge ideas
◦ Answer at least the two questions I gave you
 What are the different types bridges?
 Is there a strongest type of bridge?
◦ Play with the Shape Lab located on my SF links
 Step 3 of 9 in the design process
 Different Sketches/drawings of what you
think the finished project is going to look,
with hopes it solves the design brief.
◦ 3 different drawings are required
◦ Each of your drawings should have a written
explanation of why this design would work.
 “I don’t know how to draw”
◦ Use photoshop to create the drawing
◦ Hold the SHIFT BUTTON for straight lines
This design would work the best because…..
This design would work the best because…..
This design would work the best because…..
 Update your google presentation with your
◦ 3 different drawings
◦ 2-3 sentences detailing why you think this design
will work
 Step 4 of 9 in the design process
 Final Solution is a final sketch with a written
paragraph explaining why you chose this
design.
 Decided based on your 3 different design
possibilities.
◦ Pick one design and begin thinking about making it
into a final design.
 Step 5 of 9 of the Design Process
 An early sample or model built to test a
concept or process
 In many fields, there is great uncertainty as to
whether a new design will actually do what is
desired
◦ They need to test out the design first using a
prototype
 Often prototypes are different than a final
product in 2 ways
◦ 1. Materials. Cheaper materials to copy the
intended final material.
◦ 2. Lower Quality
Reworking the design is always expected, so we use
lower quality stuff that is easier to work with
 Check your google for any comments I made
about your project
 Finish your drawings!
 Prototype:
◦ ½ the materials!
 2 pieces of paper
 1 foot of tape
◦ Must be 4 ½ inches
◦ Needs a flat surface to hold the weight
 Step 6 of 9
 Record your results,
◦ Keep adding weights until the bridge collapses
 Take a picture of your design and add it to
the presentation!!
 Remember the changes I had to make
◦ Must be at least 10” in length
◦ No more than 2 ½” in width
◦ Can’t tape your bridge to the side of the wood