Design and Technology
Structure: Bridges
To begin their new unit on bridges, the children explored a beam and arch bridge, and their uses in the real world. They looked at how each type of bridge could be strengthened and supported, such as by laminating or corrugating the beam. We then tested these designs out by loading them up with weights.
As a continuation of our bridge unit, the children looked at a third bridge: the truss bridge. Using spaghetti and masking tape, the children made a series of triangles and beams, building up to testing the strength of their creations by loading them up with weights.
Using accurate measuring skills, the children marked out all the lengths of wood needed to construct their own wooden bridges.
The children then accurately cut their pieces of wood, making sure to be safe at all times. With the cut pieces, they then sanded the ends to removes rough parts. The pieces were then double checked to ensure the correct sizes.
Making sure to be very safe, the children started to construct their bridges using glue guns to glue their pieces of wood together. The children needed to work quickly and accurately.
Once they had constructed their bridges, the children evaluated and analysed their designs, noting the skills involved in making, what they would do differently in the making of the bridges if they were to make them again and any challenges they faced.
In groups, we then analysed each others creations, commenting on the aesthetics of the build (considering gaps in joins etc), the quality of the build (rough edges etc) and the overall finish.
