NOVA Online | Secrets of Lost Empires | China Bridge

Bridge the Gap
(A version of this activity originally appeared on NOVA's Super Bridge Web site.)

How would you span a narrow waterway? A freeway? A wide river? An ocean bay? Learn about the four major types of bridges and then test your knowledge by matching the right bridge to the right location.

Step 1 - Survey the 4 sites

	A 5,000-foot span across an ocean bay where huge ships come and go.
A 120-foot span across a freeway.
	A 1,000-foot span across a river busy with barge traffic.
A 50-foot span across a busy Chinese waterway.

Step 2 - Do your homework.

Click on each bridge to discover its strengths—and weaknesses. (You'll need this information to play well.)


Arch bridge
	Beam bridge
Suspension bridge
	Cable-stayed bridge

Step 3 - Play the game.