Challenge your class, club or group to design and build a bridge from Knex, then test it using the weights provided. Who will build the strongest bridge? Other challenges included!
Who could use this?
This box could be used within topics looking at structures, to teach strengthening techniques in Design Technology or forces in Science. It could be used as a team building activity in class or as an activity at a STEM club or family workshop.
Curriculum links
Year 5 Science – Forces
Explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object
Key Stage 1 Design Technology
- Design – generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology
- Make – select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics
- Evaluate – evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria
- Technical knowledge – build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable
Key Stage 2 Design Technology
- Design – generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design
- Make – select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities
- Evaluate – evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work
- Technical knowledge – apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures
What’s in the box?
Careers links
The Primary Science Teaching Trust has some additional careers links you may like to look at. These are called “A scientist just like me” and introduce children to a diverse range of scientists.
The downloadable power points relevant to this box are:
