| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Science |
| What age group | Year or Grade 7 |
| What topic | Structures and mechanisms |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Welcome, future engineers and scientists! Today, we are diving into the fascinating world of Structures and Mechanisms. To kick things off, we’re going to engage in a fun and interactive activity called the Invisible Bridge Challenge!
By the end of this activity, you will understand the basic principles of structures and how different materials can be used in construction. You will also develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Imagine you are part of a team of engineers tasked with designing a bridge. The challenge? The bridge must span a river, but there’s one catch: it must be invisible! You will have to think creatively about how to create a strong and stable structure without using traditional materials like wood or metal.
You will be working with the following materials:
Form Teams: Break into small groups of 3 to 4 students.
Brainstorm: In your groups, brainstorm ideas about how to build your invisible bridge. Think about the shape, size, and design principles you can use to enhance stability.
Design: Sketch a design of your bridge on paper. Be prepared to explain your design choices based on structural principles such as tension, compression, and load.
Build: Using the materials provided, construct your invisible bridge. Remember, your bridge must span a distance of at least 30 cm!
Test the Strength: Once your bridges are built, we will conduct a load test using small weights (e.g., dice or coins) to see how much your bridge can hold before collapsing.
After testing, we will regroup and discuss:
Today, you’ll not only learn about the principles of engineering and design, but you’ll also experience hands-on problem-solving that mirrors the work of professionals in the field. Are you ready to be creative and challenge your engineering skills? Let’s get started!