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Refreshed scheme (2026)

Lesson 2: How can we make bridges stronger?

Investigating how triangles are used in truss bridges to make them stronger.
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Models of truss bridges made from lollipop sticks and split pins. One is made from connected triangles and the other from connected squares.

Learning objective

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Before the lesson

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Lesson plan

1. Recap and recall

This activity revisits learning from Design and technology, Year 1, Structures: Stable structures: Lesson 1: Exploring stability and Design and technology, Year 4, Structures: Helmets: Lesson 1: Exploring shell structures to recap key learning about types of structure.

Pair the children and show the Presentation: Is it a structure? Click to enlarge the image and ask the pairs to decide which column it belongs in.

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Teach in presentation mode

In this unit

Assessment – D&T Y5: Structures: BridgesLesson 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 bridgeLesson 5: Assembling and innovating a truss bridge
Created by:
Kapow Primary Team
Kapow Primary Team
Our team comprises experienced classroom teachers who love the foundation subjectsFind out more
Maintained by: Kapow Primary teamLast update: 2 October 2026

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