Unit D Pre-assessment
Completion requirements
Unit D: Structures and Forces
Pre-assessment: What do you know?
Figure D.P.1 – The Calgary Tower is 191 metres tall.
Figure D.P.2 – The High Level Bridge in Edmonton is 48 metres above the North Saskatchewan River.
Have you ever been to the top of a very tall building such as the Calgary Tower? Have you ever walked or driven over a high bridge such as the High Level Bridge in Edmonton? Have you ever ridden a rollercoaster or a Ferris wheel? Do you feel safe high
when you are inside these structures?
Millions of people live and work in tall skyscraper buildings in various cities of the world. Millions drive and walk on high bridges everyday. We do not hear often about such buildings and bridges collapsing.
How can we build structures that rise 200 metres or more into the air? Why are structures that lift humans high above ground very safe
To understand how people design safe structures, we need to understand the forces that affect structures as well as the types of designs and materials used to make strong structures.
Millions of people live and work in tall skyscraper buildings in various cities of the world. Millions drive and walk on high bridges everyday. We do not hear often about such buildings and bridges collapsing.
How can we build structures that rise 200 metres or more into the air? Why are structures that lift humans high above ground very safe
To understand how people design safe structures, we need to understand the forces that affect structures as well as the types of designs and materials used to make strong structures.
Figure D.P.3 – This is the largest Ferris wheel in the world. It is located in Las Vegas, USA.
Pre-assessment Questions & Hints
Step 1: The Questions
This short pre-assessment is to find out what you might already know about the topic of interactions and ecosystems. Below are four questions. Think about them! If you need a hint, click on the question.
Optional: If you would like a place to write your answers, download this document.
Optional: If you would like a place to write your answers, download this document.
Figure D.P.4 – Flat roofs allow for tall ceilings and plenty of windows.
Figure D.P.5 – Triangular roofs have a peak that looks very traditional.
What type of roof would not collapse easily under a load of snow?
Think about the bridges you have seen in your community or while you have driven on highways.
A force is a push or a pull. What kinds of push or pull movements could occur on buildings?
Likely, you have seen a large building under construction. What materials are around the site?
Step 2: The Answers
Click each of the suggested answers below – how do they compare to your thoughts and answers?
A triangular roof is better in a snowy climate because the snow can slide from the roof. On a flat roof, the snow will collect, and it will collapse if the roof is not strong enough to support the weight of the snow.
There are four general types of bridges. You might have described any two of these.
A beam bridge is a flat surface lying on supports.
A truss bridge is similar to a beam bridge, but it has a metal frame surrounding the top part of the bridge.
A suspension bridge has towers and thick metal cables that hold the flat bridge surface.
An arch bridge is a curved structure beneath the bridge surface. Historically, many bridges were arch bridges.
Gravity is a force that pulls down on a structure. Compression is a force that squeezes together parts in a structure. Tension is a force that separates parts in a structure. Shearing is a force that moves connected parts in opposite directions.
Concrete and steel are two materials used to build skyscrapers. Both are very strong and can provide much support. Likely, you would not choose materials such as wood or plastic to build the frame of a skyscraper because these materials are not as strong, and they are flammable. (Wood and plastic burn!)
Step 3: Check In With Your Teacher
The start of a new unit is a great time to touch base with your teacher! Here are just a few reasons to consider contacting your teacher:
To contact your teacher, post in the Course Questions Forum, send your teacher an email, or call on the phone if you like. Whatever way you choose, it's always a good idea to get in touch with your teacher – make sure you do it frequently.
- Perhaps you found this pre-assessment quiz very easy because you have studied this material before, such as at another school. If so, it's important to tell your teacher.
- It's very good for your teacher to know you are starting a new unit; it will give them a good idea of your progress. It doesn't have to be a long message, just a "I'm starting Unit A; just thought you might want to know!"
- Your teacher may have special tips and suggestions for the unit you are starting.
- Just to say hi – your teacher always enjoys hearing from you!
To contact your teacher, post in the Course Questions Forum, send your teacher an email, or call on the phone if you like. Whatever way you choose, it's always a good idea to get in touch with your teacher – make sure you do it frequently.
