Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Identify stronger and weaker shapes.
- Recognise that supporting shapes can help increase the strength of a bridge, allowing it to 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 any rough cut edges with sandpaper.
- Follow each stage of the truss bridge creation as instructed by their teacher.
- Complete a bridge, with varying ranges of accuracy and finish, supported by the teacher.
- Identify some areas for improvement, reinforcing their bridges as necessary.
Suggested prior learning
Structure: Pavilions
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
- Designing a stable structure
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Key knowledge
- To understand some different
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Key vocabulary
accuracy
aesthetics
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Related content
Resources
Unit resources
Design and technology
Knowledge organiser: DT – Y5 Bridges
A pupil-facing summary document, capturing the key facts and definitions from this Year 5 Structures: Bridges unit.
Design and technology
Vocabulary display: Structure: Bridges
A display version of the key vocabulary from the Structure: Bridges unit.
Subject resources
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Cross-curricular opportunities
None relevant to this unit.
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.