Easy (6-8)
This structure stretches across water and cards drove on it.
Bridge
What year did the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse?
1940
Wind passing through
This famous bridge had a funny nickname: "Galloping "
Gertie
The bridge twisted and moved in this unusual way (like a spiral)
Twisting or corkscrew
Engineers later realized the bridge failed because of this type of movement caused by wind.
Vibration or oscillation
The bridge started moving and wobbling because of this natural force.
Wind
Engineers did NOT do this important test before building the bridge.
Wind testing or wind tunnel testing.
After the collapse, engineers blamed each other; this shows a lack of this important skill.
Communication or planning
The bridge did not stay still; instead, it moved like this.
Wobbling
The bridge only lasted about this long before it collapsed.
A stronger replacement bridge was later built and gave this nickname.
"Sturdy Gertie"
What eventually happened to the bridge?
It collapsed
The bridge connected the land near this Washington city.
Tacoma
What is the big lesson engineers learned from the disaster?
Test designs carefully or account for wind