Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Identify stronger and weaker supporting shapes.
- Recognise that supporting shapes can help increase the strength of a bridge so it can hold more weight.
- Identify beam, arch and truss bridges and describe their differences.
- Use triangles to create simple truss bridges that support a load (weight).
- Cut beams to the correct size using a cutting mat.
- Smooth down rough cut edges with sandpaper.
- Follow each stage of the truss bridge creation as instructed by the teacher.
- Complete a bridge with varying ranges of accuracy and finish supported by the teacher.
- Identify some areas for improvement and reinforcing bridges as necessary.
Suggested prior learning
Structures: Helmets
Get started
Lesson plans
Lesson 1: Arch and beam bridges
Lesson 2: Spaghetti truss bridges
Lesson 3: Building bridges
Lesson 4: Finalising bridges
Key skills
Design
- Designing a stable structure
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Key knowledge
Technical knowledge
To understand:
- Some different
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Key vocabulary
accuracy
arch bridge
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Related content
Resources
Unit resources
Design and technology
Knowledge organiser – DT Y5: Structures: Bridges
Aimed at pupils, a single page giving key facts and definitions from the unit 'Structures: Bridges.'
Design and technology
Vocabulary display – D&T Y5: Structures: Bridges
A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'Structure: Bridges'.
Subject resources
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Cross-curricular opportunities
Build on the learning
Structures: Playgrounds
Pupils build on their understanding of bridges in KS2 to design playground apparatus that applies structural principles and meets design criteria.