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Form, Function and Design of Structures (1)

The document is an educational exploration for Grade 7 students about the form, function, and design of structures, including types of structures, forces at work, material properties, and the design process. It encourages students to engage in activities, challenges, and reflections related to structural design and real-world applications. Additionally, it highlights the importance of sustainability and connections to STEM fields.

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ishakuyunanaz
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3 views21 pages

Form, Function and Design of Structures (1)

The document is an educational exploration for Grade 7 students about the form, function, and design of structures, including types of structures, forces at work, material properties, and the design process. It encourages students to engage in activities, challenges, and reflections related to structural design and real-world applications. Additionally, it highlights the importance of sustainability and connections to STEM fields.

Uploaded by

ishakuyunanaz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Form, Function, and Design of Structures: A Grade 7

Science Exploration
What is a Structure?

● A structure is something built or constructed


● It supports a load, spans a gap, or encloses a space
● Think of structures like bridges, buildings, or even a
bird's nest
● Question: Can you name three structures you see
around you right now?
Types of Structures

● Solid Structures: Made from one solid piece (like a


statue)
● Frame Structures: Built with a skeleton of strong
materials (like bridges)
● Shell Structures: Hollow with a curved outer surface
(like an igloo)
● Challenge: Which type of structure do you think is
strongest?
Forces at Work

● External Forces: Pushes and pulls from outside (wind,


gravity)
● Live Load: Temporary forces (people, moving cars)
● Dead Load: Permanent forces (weight of the structure
itself)
● Question: How might wind affect a tall building?
Internal Forces

● Tension: Pulling forces that stretch


● Compression: Pushing forces that squeeze
● Torsion: Twisting forces
● Shear: Sliding forces
● Activity: Try demonstrating these forces with your
hands!
Material Properties

● Strength: Ability to withstand forces


● Flexibility: Can bend without breaking
● Durability: Resistance to wear and tear
● Weight: Affects stability
● Reflection: What makes a good building material?
Stability Secrets

● A stable structure resists tipping or collapsing


● Ways to improve stability:
● Widen the base
● Lower the center of gravity
● Distribute weight evenly
● Challenge: Design a tower that won't fall over!
The Design Process

● Identify the problem or need


● Research and plan
● Sketch your design
● Build a prototype
● Test and evaluate
● Improve and redesign
● Question: Which step do you think is most important?
Structures in Nature

● Trees have amazing structural design


● Honeycombs are perfectly engineered
● Animal bones are strong yet lightweight
● Eggshells are incredibly strong for their weight
● Activity: Observe a natural structure near you
STEM Connection

● Science: Understanding forces and materials


● Technology: Using tools to build
● Engineering: Solving design problems
● Mathematics: Measuring and calculating
● Reflection: How do these fields work together?
Real-World Structures

● Buildings (homes, skyscrapers)


● Transportation infrastructure (bridges, tunnels)
● Protective gear (helmets, armor)
● Space exploration vehicles
● Question: Which structure impresses you most?
Structural Vocabulary Challenge

● Load: Weight a structure must carry


● Function: Purpose of a structure
● Center of Gravity: Point of balanced weight
● Compression: Squeezing force
● Tension: Pulling force
● Game: Create a sentence using these terms!
Design Your Own Structure

● Choose a problem to solve


● Sketch your design
● Consider:
● Materials
● Forces
● Stability
● Function
● Presentation: Share your design with the class
Structural Strength Test

● Experiment with different shapes


● Test which design supports the most weight
● Use materials like:
● Paper
● Straws
● Toothpicks
● Record your observations
Forces Exploration

● Create a model to demonstrate forces


● Show tension, compression, and shear
● Use simple materials
● Document your findings
● Question: Which force is hardest to demonstrate?
Sustainable Structures

● Consider environmental impact


● Use recyclable materials
● Design for energy efficiency
● Think about long-term sustainability
● Reflection: How can structures help the planet?
Structures Around the World

● Explore unique architectural designs


● Compare structures from different cultures
● Discuss how environment influences design
● Research challenge: Find an unusual structure
Career Connections

● Architect
● Civil Engineer
● Structural Designer
● Construction Manager
● Urban Planner
● Question: Which career interests you?
Future of Structures

● 3D printed buildings
● Self-healing materials
● Smart structures
● Eco-friendly designs
● Space habitat concepts
● Imagination challenge: Design a structure for Mars!
Structural Design Reflection

● What did you learn?


● How do structures impact our daily life?
● What would you like to design?
● Share your most interesting discovery
● Celebrate your engineering thinking!
Final Challenge

● Design a structure that:


● Solves a real-world problem
● Uses sustainable materials
● Demonstrates understanding of forces
● Present your innovative solution!

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