Building Experiences

Workshop Programme

Bridges and Structures

During this Workshop participants work together to create a range of structures, and in the process encounter the different forces that exist in such structures, as bridges.

The Workshop covers areas of The National Curriculum, such as, Science e.g. Materials & their Properties and Physical Processes, D & T, Maths e.g. Shape, Space and Measure, English e.g. Speaking and Listening. You will know how best to use and develop opportunities for learning, as a result of our work with you.

The construction part of the Workshop will occupy most of our time with you. This "hands on" approach gives pupils opportunities in the application of design ideas, co-operative learning, team-building and problem-solving - and so addresses aspects of Personal & Social Education.

The Workshop

Time: 2 hours
Space Required: Hall/Large Room - Headroom of 10 feet/3m, or more.

The Workshop is introduced using a number of colour slides and OHP’s that illustrate a wide variety of bridge-construction types and materials. Pupils are used to demonstrate simple ideas related to forces.

Building the Bridge commences through an exercise which results in the construction of a tetrahedron, by each participant. The properties of this structure are elaborated. Working in groups, the pupils build a pillar, using their tetrahedrons. The platform of the bridge will be suspended from these pillars.

Participants build and put together the platform that is then suspended from an arrangement of the pillars. The Bridge structure will be approximately 10 feet / 3m. high and 16 feet / 4.8m long.

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