Structures

Concepts of Structures Teachers want to keep these ideas in mind throughout the unit to help guide instruction and to emphasize with learners.  Good construction of the structures around us is based on scientific principles. There are many different structures around us.  They are built of different materials and in different designs. Many factors affect the height and stability of a structure. When all forces acting on a structure are balanced, the structure does not move. Structural components are subjected to forces that may cause them to bend, break or collapse. The live load and dead load of a structure affect its ability to stand. The arrangement of columns, beams, and diagonal supports in a framework affects the structure’s ability to support loads. Tension and compression are forces that push and pull on a structure. Tension and compression occur together but in different parts of the same structure. The strength of structural components is dependent on the properties of the materials of which they are made, the shape of those components, and how they are arranged. Different building materials are useful for different purposes. Materials react differently to tension, compression and other forces. The shape of a beam or column can affect its strength. The triangular truss is a component of a structural framework that uses tension, compression and the triangular shape. The design of a structure is influenced by scientific principles, the function of the structure and by aesthetic elements. Some materials and shapes are chose for their aesthetic qualities. We can find different structural components, materials used, and aesthetic designs in the structures around us. We can use our understanding of interesting design; how to make structures strong and stable and how to make the best use of materials to build models. NSES Physical Science Standards: Students will be introduced to and begin to develop an understanding of Properties and changes of matter Motions and forces NSES Science and Technology Standard: Students will be introduced to and begin to develop an understanding of Science and technology NSES Science in Personal and Social Perspectives Standard: Students will be introduced to and begin to develop an understanding of Science and technology in society. NSES History and Nature of Science Standards: Students will be introduced to and begin to develop an understanding of Science as a human endeavor Nature of science History of science Inquiry Skills Inquiry skills are those skills students use to make sense of their science investigations.  They tell what the students will actually be doing in science.  The Inquiry Skills for Structures are:  Explores and Observes Design and Conduct Investigations Constructs Relationships and Conclusions Communicates Applies and Connects Asks Questions Measures Predicts Collects and Analyzes Data Collaborates