Story time 📖
Tap play and I''ll read this lesson to you like a story.
🌉 you need to a , but the only is made of . It and the you on it! , , and of . How? It all to the the . you will out the that on most — and use it to your own !
🏗️ The in , in 1890, is made of . It is in use and can a ! a from a .
A is a of that a . of an or the of a before the go up. On their own, in a are — one and the like a . But add a bar the and you two . a , so they the .
That bar is called (). that a from or . You see on , , and even the of old . The more you can a , the and it will be when a (the on it) is .
🗂️ Sort each example into the correct category. Does it use triangles to add strength, or is it a frame structure that needs bracing to become stronger?
A pylon tower with diagonal metal bars
A plain rectangular wooden picture frame
A roof truss with A-shaped supports
A square cardboard box with no internal supports
A bicycle frame made of triangular tubing
A flat rectangular table with wobbly legs
Before you , — with and the and . like: What will this be made of? How does the gap need to be? Why did I this ? A is like a : should be to it and how to make the thing.
✏️ When you your , at things: the you will use for the (the ), where your or will go, and the gap your . a to each makes your even more !
| Material | Strong under load? | Easy to cut and join? | Best used for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated card | Medium | Very easy | Deck surface, side panels |
| Wooden lolly sticks | High | Easy with scissors | Beams, cross-bracing bars |
| Drinking straws | Low alone, high in bundles | Very easy | Lightweight truss sides |
| Masking tape | N/A — joins parts | No cutting needed | Securing joints firmly |
| Rolled newspaper tubes | Medium | Easy to roll and tape | Arch or beam supports |
🧩 Put the design-and-make process in the correct order, from start to finish. 🔢
- Evaluate against the design criteria and suggest improvements for a next version.
- Test the bridge by placing increasing weights on the deck and observing where it bends.
- Select and cut your materials, then build the bridge prototype.
- Create annotated sketches showing materials, measurements, and bracing positions.
- Research existing bridges and investigate how triangles add strength.
- Identify the design criteria: how far must the bridge span and what load must it hold?
When you your , it to your . Ask: Does it the gap? Does it the or more than 1 cm? Is the for a toy car to ? do not just say 'it or 'it — they WHY and a that would fix the .
⚠️ : when or , cut from your and use a mat. Ask an before using a . , make — to AND !
🃏 Test yourself on the key words from today's lesson. Read the front, think of the answer, then flip! 🃏
Tap each card to see the answer.
Quiz time! 📝
Bridges and Frames: Quick Check 🌉
Question 1 of 5Tip: log in to save your score and track progress.
Log in to save the lessons you finish and keep your progress.