T1-L05: Engineering Structures — Tower & Phone Stand

Name:

Class:

Date:

Folio: pp. 16–17

Outcomes: TE4-PPM-01 TE4-MSC-01 Folio pp. 16–17

Learning Intention

We are learning about engineering forces and using them to build stable structures.

Success Criteria

I can explain what compression and tension mean
I can explain why triangles are the strongest shape
I can design and build a paper tower that stands freely
I can design a phone stand that holds a device at a viewable angle

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Do Now

What shape is the STRONGEST in engineering? Why do you think so?

Your answer	Why do you think this?

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Key Vocabulary

Standard: Fill in the definition. | Support: Definitions shown in grey — read and copy into your folio. | Extension: Use each term in a sentence.

Term	Definition	Use in a sentence (Extension)
Compression	A pushing force that squashes or shortens a material
Tension	A pulling force that stretches a material
Base	The bottom part of a structure that supports everything above
Triangulation	Using triangles in a structure to make it stronger and more rigid
Load	The weight or force applied to a structure
Support	A part of a structure that holds up or carries weight

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Key Concepts: Forces in Structures

Compression ↓↑

A pushing force that squashes material together.

Real-world example:

Tension ←→

A pulling force that stretches material apart.

Real-world example:

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Design Challenge: Paper Tower (Folio p. 16)

Brief: Build the tallest free-standing tower using only 2 sheets of A4 paper and masking tape.

Constraints: 2 sheets of A4 • Masking tape only • Must stand on its own for 10 seconds

Planning & Sketch	Results
	Tower height: cm Stood for 10 sec? Technique used:

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Design Challenge: Phone Stand (Folio p. 17)

Brief: Design a phone stand from 1 sheet of A4 paper that holds a phone at a viewable angle, hands-free for 10 seconds.

Planning & Sketch	Results
	Held phone for 10 sec? Viewable angle?

Reflection: What engineering principles helped your designs succeed?

🔵 Support — Building Tips

Roll paper into tubes — tubes are stronger than flat sheets
Use triangles — triangles are the strongest shape because they cannot collapse
Make a wide base — a wider base makes structures more stable
Fold paper to make it thicker and stronger

Word Bank

compressiontensiontrianglecylinder basestableloadsupport foldrollheightbalance

🟠 Extension — Engineering Investigation

Can you build a tower taller than 50 cm? Explain why cylinders (tubes) resist compression better than flat sheets.

Research: Find a famous tower or structure and explain what engineering principles make it strong.

Structure name:

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Exit Ticket — Reflection

1. Why are triangles the strongest shape in engineering?

2. Name one technique you used to make your tower or phone stand more stable.

3. What is the difference between compression and tension?

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Self-Assessment

Success Criteria	Got it 🟢	Nearly there 🟠	Need help 🔴
I can explain what compression and tension mean	●	●	●
I can explain why triangles are the strongest shape	●	●	●
I can design and build a paper tower that stands freely	●	●	●
I can design a phone stand that holds a device at a viewable angle	●	●	●