Designing and Testing Structures
Students apply their knowledge of forces, materials, and stability to design, build, and test their own strong and stable structures.
About This Topic
Students apply their knowledge of forces, materials, and stability to design, build, and test their own strong and stable structures.
Key Questions
- How can we use the engineering design process to build a strong bridge?
- What challenges did you face when testing your structure?
- How could you improve your design to hold a heavier load?
Active Learning Ideas
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Planning templates for Science
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
Unit PlannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
RubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
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Choosing the Right Materials
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Environmental Impact of Structures
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