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Session 3: Structural Engineering 🏗️

Overview

Grades: 5-6 | Duration: 45 minutes | Session: 3 of 17

Students explore structural engineering principles by designing and testing load-bearing structures.

Session 3: Structural Engineering

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand key structural engineering concepts

  • Identify forces: tension, compression, shear

  • Build and test load-bearing structures

  • Analyze structural failures

Session 3: Structural Engineering

Materials Needed

  • 📦 KEVA Planks (from CSCOE library)

  • 📦 Building materials (straws, toothpicks, marshmallows)

  • 🪙 Weights for testing

  • 📏 Measuring tools

  • 📓 Engineering journals

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Medieval Cathedral Builders — Anonymous craftsmen who built soaring cathedrals to glorify God. Their engineering still stands 800+ years later!

Scripture

"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." — Psalm 127:1

Opening Prayer

Dear God, like the cathedral builders of old, help us build structures that honor you and serve others. Give us wisdom to create with integrity. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (8 minutes)

  1. Structural Engineering:
  2. "Making sure buildings don't fall down!"
  3. Engineers calculate forces and design structures
  4. Key Forces:
  5. Tension — Pulling apart (rope in tug-of-war)
  6. Compression — Pushing together (standing on box)
  7. Shear — Sliding (deck of cards)
  8. Structural Elements:
  9. Triangles = Strong! (forces distributed)
  10. Arch = Distributes compression
  11. Column = Resists compression
  12. Beam = Spans distances
  13. Cathedral Builders:
  14. Built structures that stood centuries
  15. Flying buttresses, pointed arches
  16. Glory to God through engineering

Main Activity: Structural Challenge (28 minutes)

Part 1: Force Demonstrations (5 minutes)

  • Tension: Stretch rubber band

  • Compression: Push sponge

  • Shear: Slide books

  • Feel the forces!

  • Where do these occur in buildings?

Part 2: The Challenge (20 minutes)

Challenge: Build a bridge or tower that holds maximum weight

Bridge Challenge Option:

  • Span 12 inches (between two desks)

  • Use provided materials

  • Hold weight in the middle

  • Goal: Maximum weight before failure

Tower Challenge Option:

  • Build at least 12 inches tall

  • Support weight on top

  • Use provided materials

  • Goal: Maximum weight before failure

Engineering Process: 1. Design (4 min): - Sketch with labels - Identify where forces will act - Plan triangulation

  1. Build (12 min):
  2. Construct structure
  3. Test stability as you build

  4. Make adjustments

  5. Test (4 min):

  6. Add weights gradually
  7. Record weight held
  8. Observe failure point

Part 3: Analysis (3 minutes)

  • What designs held most weight?

  • Where did failures occur?

  • What would you change?

  • Class discussion

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Sketch your structure (label forces)
  2. Record: Weight held = ____
  3. Write: "My structure failed because..."
  4. Write: "Next time I would..."
  5. Draw a famous structure and identify forces

Closing Circle (4 minutes)

  1. Engineering Insights — "What surprised you?"
  2. Cathedral Connection — "How did faith inspire those builders?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "God, thank you for the gift of engineering. May our structures serve people and honor you. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Identified three types of forces

  • Applied structural principles

  • Built and tested structure

  • Analyzed failure modes

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Partner work

  • Simpler materials

  • Lower weight goals

For Advanced Students

  • Efficiency ratio (weight held ÷ materials used)

  • Multiple design iterations

  • Research famous structural failures

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Look for structural engineering in your community! Find bridges, buildings, arches. Where do you see triangles used for strength? Research famous structures like the Eiffel Tower or Golden Gate Bridge!

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve KEVA planks from CSCOE

  • Have sufficient weights (coins, washers)

  • Document with photos

  • Connect to local architecture/churches

  • Consider field trip to cathedral

Previous: Session 2 — Sphero Advanced
Next: Session 4 — Human Body Systems