Exploring bridge structures
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore making mock-ups of bridges, using a range of construction methods.
Key learning points
- Experimenting with mock-ups helps develop designs.
- Construction kit blocks can be used to create bridge mock-ups.
- Bridges are made of different shapes.
- Construction kits can be used to make and test triangles and arches for strength and stability.
- A design brief explains the problem we need to solve.
Keywords
Mock-up - making an example of something to test or to learn new skills
Design specification - describes what a product has to do
Shell structure - a hollow structure with a thin outer covering.
Freestanding - something standing up by itself
Brick bonding - a pattern in which bricks are laid to make a wall strong and stable
Common misconception
Designers make a plan and follow this plan in the making stage.
Designers use their design brief to create a plan. This plan is important but changable depending on success of the project, alongside tools, skills and testing points along the way.
Teacher tip
Using cut paper straws will encourage the children to join with more strength / encourage children to cut them shorter. Links to Oak's English lesson Billy Goats Gruff.
Equipment
A range of construction kits, paper straws and masking tape, building blocks/bricks, group design specification sheet.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - may contain allergens
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the words and meanings.
a structure that helps people to cross something, such as water
how an object is formed
something is in place and will not fall over
something that is strong is harder wearing, will not break as easily
Q2.True or false? There are lots of different types of bridges.
Q3.True or false? Freestanding means to stand up.
Q4.Match the words to their meaning.
a quick drawing, often using a pencil and a piece of paper
paper, card and other materials are glued to make a picture
a material used to stick things together
a tool used to cut materials such as paper
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their meaning.
a hollow structure with a thin outer covering
something standing up by itself
arrangement of bricks in a wall to make the wall stronger
Q2.True or false? A design specification describes what a product has to do.
Q3.Triangle structures are used because they are ...
Q4.Designers and engineers create something before making the real thing. What is this model called?
To help you plan your 1 design and technology lesson on: Exploring bridge structures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 design and technology lesson on: Exploring bridge structures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 design and technology lessons from the Frame structures: bridges unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.