Testing bridge structures
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can test a bridge structure to determine its strength.
Key learning points
- Testing is an important way to check that the bridge works.
- Tests can include recording how well the design worked.
- Talking about the test results helps decide how well the design worked.
- Feedback helps to make improvements and changes to future ideas and designs.
Keywords
Feedback - comments or suggestions on how to improve a product
Testing - trying something to see if it works so that changes or improvements can be made
Success criteria - a list which helps to see if the object does what it is expected to do
Common misconception
Testing only happens at the end of the making process.
Testing should happen throughout the making process. This allows the designers and engineers to change / alter and improve any aspects as they move through the making process.
Teacher tip
Using cubes or bricks which are the same size will allow the pupils to see that this is a fairer test. This ensures the pupils see the bigger the goat the more cubes / fewer cubes the smaller the goat. Additionally, discussions about being respectful link to PSHE.
Equipment
Worksheet, pencil, scissors, cubes, stapler, bridges
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match these words to the correct meaning.
what something feels like
what something looks like
something special and that is one of its kind
Q2.Why are bridges are often unique?
Q3.Which of the following can be painted over?
Q4.Finishing products, like the bridges, by decorating them makes them more:
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How do we check that the bridge works?
Q2.How does feedback help designers and engineers?
Q3.Match the words to their meaning.
trying something to see if it works and to make changes or improvement
a list which helps to see if the object does what it is expected to do
comments or suggestions on how to improve a product
Q4.What do we need to remember about our comments when we give feedback?
To help you plan your 1 design and technology lesson on: Testing 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: Testing 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.