Curriculum Links

Curriculum Links: Exploring Structures and Forces

By participating in Exploring Structures and Forces, students have an opportunity to meet the following curriculum expectations: 

Understanding Structures and Mechanisms
Forces Acting on Structures and Mechanisms

Overall Expectations

  •  investigate forces that act on structures and mechanisms;
  • identify forces that act on and within structures and mechanisms, and describe the effects of these forces on structures and mechanisms.

Specific Expectations

Developing Investigation and Communication Skills

  • 2.2 measure and compare, quantitatively and/or qualitatively, the force required to move a load (e.g., to lift a book, to open a drawer) using different mechanical systems
  • 2.3 use scientific inquiry/research skills to investigate how structures are built to withstand forces 
  • 2.4 use technological problem-solving skills to design, build, and test a frame structure (e.g., a bridge) that will withstand the application of an external force (e.g. simulated vibrations from a truck)
  • 2.5 use appropriate science and technology vocabulary, including tension, compression, torque, system, and load, in oral and written communication

Understanding Basic Concepts

  • 3.1 identify internal forces acting on a structure (e.g., compression [squeezing], tension [stretching]), and describe their effects on the structure 
  • 3.2 identify external forces acting on a structure (e.g., the weight of a passing truck), and describe their effects on the structure