2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

A curriculum consisting of 13 independent lessons (presentations, videos, activities, and teacher instructions) covering aspects of bridge design and construction was created to positively impact students' attitudes toward STEM concepts, classes, and career choices. The modules are targeted to students at different grade levels (elementary (E), middle (M), or high (H) school) and aligned with national and state educational standards. The topics include How bridges work (E,M,H), How bridges are constructed (E, M/H), How concrete gets strong (E,M/H), Bridge terminology and design (M/H), Geometric design of roadways (H), Steel plate girder design (H), River hydraulics and scour (H), Bridge expansion joints (H), and Bridge foundations(H). Each lesson is designed so that teachers can directly present the presentation or video in the classroom (~20min) and students can engage in the corresponding hands-on activity or design challenge (~50min).