West Point Bridge Design Contest

Information

Subject Areas

Apps for Teachers,

Relevant for

KS3, KS4

 

Software that introduces Engineering to Secondary Students by West Point Bridge Design Contest.

Great for simulation and modelling activities, and use of trial and error heuristics.

This software, which is presented in the form of a competition, provides KS3 and KS4 students with a realistic, engaging introduction to engineering. Pupils will learn, using computer modelling and simulations, how to solve a hands on engineering problem, how to apply maths and science to a design problem, how truss bridges work, and how to use the computer as a problem solving tool.

There is an international competition which can be entered online, via the software. Alternatively, a class based or school based contest can be created. The application works well on an IWB.

Hardware requirements, network

• WPBD 2012 for Windows: Requires Windows XP or newer.
• WPBD 2012 for Macintosh: Requires Mac OS 10.5.7 (Leopard) or newer.

This software needs to run on individual workstations. However, there are no issues saving to shared fileservers.

ICT curriculum uses and referencing

• KS3 POS: 1.3 (a and b) 2.2 (b and c), 2.4 (a,b,and c)
• KS4 POS: 1.3 (a and b) 2.2 (b and c), 2.4 (a,b,and c)
• KS3 POS: 2.3 (a, b and c)
• KS4 POS: 2.3 (a, b and c)
• Maths, Science, Design and Technology.

Possible teaching activities and cross curricular use

• Learn to use heuristics (trial and error) on computers.
• Apply maths and science to computing modelling and simulations.
• Design using sophisticated computer simulations. .
• Class, year group or school wide design competitions.v