The Structures unit focuses on the ideas that all objects, both living and nonliving, are structures. The
type of strength a structure has depends on its shape and the material it is made from. Through
engaging explorations, students learn that form follows function; that a structure is designed for a
specific purpose and the purpose dictates the type of strength the structure must have.
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
What is a structure? What makes a structure strong?
LEARNING GOALS:
Students are able to use the following skills:
* With teacher guidance, conduct investigations to test the stability and strength of different types of
structures
* Communicate the results of their investigations both verbally and in written form
*Use the results of one investigation to improve their design in a subsequent investigation
Students demonstrate understanding of the following concepts:
*Every object, living and nonliving, is a structure
*A structure is made up of individual parts that are also structures
*The form of a structure is determined by the function it performs
*Structures are affected by forces, pushing or pulling
*Compression is a force that pushes a material or structure together
*Tension is a force that pulls a material or structure apart
