New
New
Year 1

Making a bridge structure

I can make mock-ups of structures using different shapes and joining techniques.

New
New
Year 1

Making a bridge structure

I can make mock-ups of structures using different shapes and joining techniques.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Experimenting with mock-ups helps develop designs.
  2. It is important to use the correct glue and/or tape when making.
  3. Testing throughout the making process is very important
  4. A minimal amount of glue is needed when joining materials together.
  5. Masking tape can be used to join most materials, can be painted over, but can also rip easily.

Keywords

  • Joining techniques - ways to join two things together correctly

  • Building - making something new with different materials

  • Reinforce - to strengthen or support an object or structure

  • Testing - trying something to see if it works, and to make changes or improvements to it

Common misconception

Testing needs to be completed at the end of the making task.

Through testing throughout the making process, any issues and changes can be addressed. This will make the product more successful.


To help you plan your year 1 design and technology lesson on: Making a bridge structure, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Pupils could work in groups to explore joining techniques, therefore giving more time to complete the bridge building aspect of the lesson.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Scissors, pencils, rulers, a range of joining materials, alongside cards, papers, recycleable materials, straws for example to complete the making task.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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4 Questions

Q1.
What is a design specification?
a colourful drawing
Correct answer: a list of what your product should do or be like
a box of toys
Q2.
Why do we test our mock-ups as we build?
Correct answer: to make it stronger and better
to make it fall apart
to make it look messy
Q3.
Which of the following are good ways to reinforce something made of card?
use paper
use thinner card
Correct answer: use thicker card
Q4.
What can you use to help you to fold card into a neat straight line?
scissors
a pencil
glue
Correct answer: a ruler

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their meanings.
Correct Answer:joining techniques,ways to join two things together correctly

ways to join two things together correctly

Correct Answer:building,making something new with different materials

making something new with different materials

Correct Answer:reinforce,to strengthen or support an object or structure

to strengthen or support an object or structure

Q2.
Which of these is a good joining technique to join card to card?
Correct answer: PVA glue
zip
Correct answer: glue stick
Correct answer: sticky tape
nails
Q3.
When should you test the product that you are making?
Correct answer: throughout the making process
at the end of the making process
before the making process
Q4.
How much glue should you use to join materials?
Correct answer: lots and lots
Correct answer: a small amount
none at all

Additional material

Download additional material