Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Describe how bridges solve different problems.
- Compare the purpose and appearance of different bridges.
- Describe a frame structure as a skeleton of joined parts that holds its shape.
- Compare the strength of different shapes.
- Build and test a truss bridge structure.
- Build and test a suspension bridge structure.
- Say which parts of a structure need extra support or strength.
- Measure, mark and cut the wooden components accurately.
- Assemble and join the components to make a secure truss.
- Come up with a creative bridge design.
Suggested prior learning
Structures: Helmets
Get started
Teacher video: Bridges unit overview
Lessons
Lesson 1: Why do we need bridges?
Lesson 2: How can we make bridges stronger?
Lesson 3: How can we make longer bridges?
Lesson 4: Building trusses for a bridge
Lesson 5: Assembling and innovating a truss bridge
Key skills
Key skills
Design
- Noticing wider-reaching problems or
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Key knowledge
Design
To know:
- Problems can be
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Key vocabulary
assemble (Y5/6)
frame structure (Y5/6)
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Equipment list
Equipment needed across all lessons in this unit.
This list does not include equipment which is usually readily available in the classroom (e.g pencils, A4 paper etc)
Download
Full equipment list for the subject
Quantities marked × will update. Items without quantities are unaffected
- Sticky tack 1
- Clipboards ×15
-
25 lollipop sticks
×15 -
10 lollipop sticks with pre-drilled holes
×15 - Masking tape ×10
- String ×10
- 2 piles of books of equal height ×8
- Rulers ×8
- 1 set of small weights, such as maths weights, beanbags or wooden blocks ×10
-
7 split pins
×15 -
2 sheets of A4 thick card
×15 - Materials for building two towers, such as cardboard tubes or building blocks ×10
- Scissors right- and left-handed options recommended. ×10
- 1 object (such as a pen) tied to a piece of string 1
- 160 cm of square-cut wood ×10
- Sandpaper ×10
- PVA glue, pots and spreaders ×10
- Plastic wallets ×10
- Trays ×10
- Junior hacksaws: up to three per supervising adult Adult supervision required.
- Bench hooks: up to three per supervising adult
- Whiteboards and pens ×30
- Flipchart 1
Optional
- Clamps
- Hot glue guns: one per supervising adult Adult supervision required - hot surface.
- Devices that record audio and video ×10
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Related content
Unit resources
Knowledge organiser – D&T Y5: Structures: Bridges
Aimed at pupils, two pages giving key facts and definitions from the unit ‘Bridges’.
Vocabulary display – D&T Y5: Structures: Bridges
A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'Bridges'.
Subject resources
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Cross-curricular opportunities
- Geography: Human and physical geography: exploring how bridges respond to the needs of different places, including how location, land use, transport and the local environment influence their purpose and design.
- Science: Forces: exploring how forces act on bridge structures and how features such as triangulation and suspension cables help support weight and strengthen a bridge.
- Art and design: developing drawing and design skills by sketching an innovative bridge inspired by features of the local area.
Build on the learning
Structures: Playground pioneers
Get started
Popular content
- Design and technology: Curriculum portal
- Design and technology: Curriculum information
- Y3 > Structures: Constucting a Castle > Lesson 3: Nets and Structures
- Y3 > Mechanical Systems: Pneumatic Toys > Lesson 1: Exploring Pneumatics
- Y4 > Textiles: Fastenings > Lesson 2: Designing my Book Sleeve
- Y4 > Electrical Systems: Torches > Lesson 3: Torch Design
