UNIT D: Structures and Forces

Unit Checklist

  Unit D: Key Ideas

Focus On: Structures and Forces

This unit has four sections dedicated to helping you understand the basics of structures and forces. Each section has a key idea indicated by its title and is divided into lessons. Click each key idea tab below to view the lesson titles and some key questions you will investigate.


Section 1 Key Idea: Structures vary greatly in design and function.

Lesson D1: Classifying Structures
Key Question – What are some basic forms of structures?

Lesson D2: Case Study: Alberta Structures
Key Question – What are some interesting structures in Alberta?

Lesson D3: Structure Design and Function
Key Question – Why is knowing the purpose of a structure important before you design it?

Lesson D4: Structures around the World
Key Question – Why are structures around the world with similar purposes so different in design?

Section 2 Key Idea: Understanding forces allows humans to build safe structures.

Lesson D5: Forces at Work
Key Question – What are forces and what effect do they have on structures?

Lesson D6: Gravity and Loads
Key Question – How do the centre of gravity and loads affect the strength of structures?

Lesson D7: A World of Bridges
Key Question – How are various types of bridges designed?

Lesson D8: Internal Forces
Key Question – What are internal forces and how do they affect structures?

Lesson D9: Dangerous Forces: When Structures Fail
Key Question – Why do structures sometimes fail?

Lesson D10: Structural Components
Key Question - What shapes and designs are used in strong structures?

Section 3 Key Idea: The function of a structure depends on the joints and the material of which it is made.

Lesson D11: Material Properties
Key Question – How do we choose the best materials for a structure?

Lesson D12: Joints and Friction
Key Question – How are the parts of structures joined?

Lesson D13: Animal Joints
Key Question – How do joints in animals help them move?

Lesson D14: Protective Structures
Key Question – How are structures designed to provide protection?

Section 4 Key Idea: Building safe and sturdy structures requires careful design.

Lesson D15: Design for Safety
Key Question – How are structures designed to be safe?

Lesson D16: Building to Survive Disasters
Key Question – What are some design features that make buildings stay standing in natural disasters?

Lesson D17: Improving Materials and Structures
Key Question – How are materials and structures improved over time?