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