1 - Getting Started ~3 mins
Look at this challenge. Can you build something that stands on its own and does a real job?
Your group will choose: build a bridge that spans a gap and holds a toy car, or build a tower that stands free and holds a small weight. What do you already know that might help?
2 - Strong Shapes and Firm Joins ~6 mins
Which do you think will stand better under a gentle push: a flat strip of paper, or the same strip rolled into a tube?
Rolling is one strong shape. Today we will also talk about joins (where two pieces meet and are fixed so the build holds). Watch the demo, then we will build.
3 - Build Our Structure ~14 mins
In your group, choose what to build: a bridge that spans the gap and holds the toy car, or a tower that stands free and holds the small weight.
Use newspaper, card, straws, lolly sticks and masking tape. Build so it stands on its own. Talk as you go: which shapes feel strong, and where do the joins need to be firmer?
4 - Test and Strengthen ~8 mins
Now we find out what your bridge or tower can do. First, say your prediction out loud: do you think it will hold the toy car or small weight, sag, lean, or fall, and why?
Choose one child in your group to place the toy car or small weight gently. Everyone else stands back and watches what happens. Then strengthen only one thing, a shape or a join, and test again with the same toy car or weight. Talk about what changed.
5 - Draw What Made It Strong ~5 mins
On your Investigation Journal page, draw your bridge or tower. Show the strong shapes and the joins that helped. Be ready to point to one thing that made it stronger after the test.
Unlock the full learning experience
You're previewing this lesson. Get full access to this lesson and hundreds more — each one ready to teach, with interactive activities, printable resources and pupil progress tracking built in.
This lesson is copyright of DigitalSkills.org 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.