Take a load off! Introduce junior engineers to the effects of load on structural design with an easy-to-use interactive. Individuals apply one of many load options, examine its effects, then learn about the safeguards employed during construction to minimize damage to the structure.

Concepts

wind, thermal energy, thermal expansion, earthquakes, vibration, civil engineering, engineering design, buildings, building materials, soil

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the lesson to introduce a model building project to get the class familiar with the concept
• Assign a load to grouped pupils and have them research innovative ways to overcome the stresses of the load

Classroom Considerations

• Although the topic is complex, the activity is suitable for students with no prior knowledge of loads or structural design
  

Pros

• The lesson is an excellent, simple way to give learners hands-on experience with load prior to a build
• Animations show how modifications to a structure work against the load to provide stability
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.2 RST.9-10.2 RST.11-12.2