Making a bridge structure
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make mock-ups of structures using different shapes and joining techniques.
Key learning points
- Experimenting with mock-ups helps develop designs.
- It is important to use the correct glue and/or tape when making.
- Testing throughout the making process is very important
- A minimal amount of glue is needed when joining materials together.
- 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.
Teacher tip
Pupils could work in groups to explore joining techniques, therefore giving more time to complete the bridge building aspect of the lesson.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a design specification?
Q2.Why do we test our mock-ups as we build?
Q3.Which of the following are good ways to reinforce something made of card?
Q4.What can you use to help you to fold card into a neat straight line?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their meanings.
ways to join two things together correctly
making something new with different materials
to strengthen or support an object or structure
Q2.Which of these is a good joining technique to join card to card?
Q3.When should you test the product that you are making?
Q4.How much glue should you use to join materials?
To help you plan your 1 design and technology lesson on: Making a bridge structure, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 design and technology lesson on: Making a bridge structure, 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.