Implementation of “Let’s Build Bridges!” (SOI-RO-372)
Author: Țurcanu Geanina, Teacher
School/Organization: Gymnasium School No. 29
When we have a bridge in front of us, we need to think about the elements that give it safety. In order to be safe a bridge needs: mathematics, engineering, team, enthusiasm involvement. Why do we build bridges? The answers are different. To move more easily, to come closer. Therefore, each team will build a bridge. But what if we wanted to build a bridge across cultures? What elements should we use?
Cultural Bridges
The scenario ”Let’s build bridges” caught my attention because I teach social education. Building bridges requires a lot of attention and a lot of responsibility. Every element is important. In teams, the students built bridges using materials such as: wood, paper, glue. Attention to detail is important. And if we wanted to build bridges across civilizations why do we need it?
My students are in 6th grad , 12 years old. Working in teams of 5 students they analyzed Fourth Bridges, London Bridges, using European resources. Together they identified the elements needed to build a solid bridge. I used this learning scenario through which I aimed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in my students. The students worked in teams and analyzed europeana resources using images of different bridges. They identified the necessary elements for a sustainable construction. And they built their own bridges this time, bridges over crops where they needed otherwise durable materials.
As I said before students worked in teams. At the beginning of the activity their attention was directed to the nations of mathematics. The construction of a bridge must take into account the weight of angle height machines and, of course, a capable a team. Later, they had to appeal to lateral thinking and take into account a bridge connecting two cultures and this time look for those materials that could withstand. That’s how they discovered respect, love, tolerance, important stones in the construction of a bridge. The activity took place during a class hour, 50 minutes in which we challenged and learned a lot of new things. I teach social education and history and the script modification implemented was to build values for a sustainable education, like a well-built bridge.
The students were delighted with their own constructions and especially with the teamwork. There they build their own perspective in relation to others; they learn to relate beyond the box of their own prejudices. I believe that this learning scenario was an opportunity to learn about each other.
Students working on their projects: Cultural Bridges!
I used the Europeana resources, because they provide visual support, the possibility of documentation and the possibility of learning from colleagues’ perspectives. I think it’s a way to pass on ideas in such an important field as education and so essential in learning about us. I liked the scenario Let’s build bridges, because it took me to the area of values, a construction specific to a changing society that needs to build day by day by learning from the one next to it.
Did you find this story of implementation interesting? Why don’t you read about the related learning scenario? Let’s Build Bridges! created by Natalia Grushko
Did you find this story of implementation interesting? You might also like:
- Tree for the Mind implemented by Sanja Ždralović
- Healthy Choices implemented by Carmen Alexandra Miricioiu
- Our Healthy Life implemented by Emilia Marina Alexe
Do you want to discover more stories of implementation? Click here.
Public Domain Mark 1.0: the featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana and has been provided by the Rijksmuseum.