Video+Clip+A


 * Clip A: The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster [[image:compresskil/tacoma-narrows-bridge-1940-gary-peterson.jpg width="179" height="137" align="right"]] **


 * The Tacoma Narrows Bridge **

//The Tacoma Narrows Bridge was built in the United States in the middle of the last century. It became famous, and was given the nickname, “Galloping Gertie”. It was an engineering disaster.//


 * A. Vocabulary **

Before watching the video, use a dictionary or other source to ensure that you understand the meaning of all the vocabulary words in the box. All of these words are used in the video.

primary, secondary, proportionate, stiff/stiffen, span sway, hammock, gale, sail, whip Aerodynamic, breathtaking, elegant, lightweight, arch spectacular, breeze, stress, stream, stone ironically, inevitably, collapse, groundbreaking

or follow this link if you have a problem watching it on this site >> @http://youtu.be/GVdHblhWwbA media type="file" key="The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster~1.wmv" width="300" height="300"
 * B. Now watch the video as many times as you need in order to understand it. **


 * C. After watching the video, think about the answers to the following questions: **
 * 1) Where was the Takoma Narrows Bridge opened?
 * 2) What year did it open?
 * 3) How long was the center span of the bridge?
 * 4) The video talks about two other bridges that were longer than the Tacoma Narrows Bridge; which two other bridges were mentioned in the video?
 * 5) Why was the Tacoma Narrows Bridge called “Galloping Gertie”?
 * 6) How long did the bridge remain open?
 * 7) What happened in November?
 * 8) What was the primary cause of the disaster?
 * 9) What action was taken with other bridges after this disaster?