Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers In Ardsley

Bridges are a hot topic in Ardsley as our students witness the re-building of the Ashford Avenue Bridge and the New NY Bridge (aka the Tappan Zee Bridge). With the help of a select group of Ardsley Middle School students and the New NY Bridge Community Outreach team, students at Concord Road now understand how physical science, engineering, and mathematics are important to the design and construction of the bridges in their backyards.

This learning experience began in early March, when a Concord Road parent, Troy Calkins, connected our school to the New NY Bridge Community Outreach program. Over 700 students attended highly engaging general assembly presentations where the outreach team shared a model of the bridge and explained complicated engineering concepts in simple terms. Students walked away with awe and wonder as well as an understanding of how things they are already learning in school are applied to solve real-world challenges.

Hands-on Engineering Workshop Furthers the Learning Experience

First grade classes furthered their learning experience by attending an Engineering Workshop. Ardsley Middle School students currently enrolled in the 7th grade Engineering Seminar also attended and helped the first graders with their knowledge of physical science. “Our students really enjoyed the New NY Bridge presentation and I wanted to further the learning experience,” said Karen Sargis, first grade teacher at Concord Road School. “I teamed up with AMS science teacher, Ms. Barry, to design a workshop that would reinforce the learning of both grades.”

Working in small collaborative groups, students created an initial plan and bridge design. Next, they were given blocks, tape, paper, and straws as building materials to begin construction. Initial designs were then tested with the help of model cars to ensure that the roadways could hold the weight and that the bridges were safe. The workshop continued with any needed modifications and more testing.

Both the visit from the New NY Bridge Outreach team and the engineering workshop not only provided for fun afternoons, they effectively increased students’ comprehension of physical design and encouraged their curiosity of engineering.