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!
