Building Basics
What is a structure?
Something that is built and has a purpose or function.
What does “strong” mean when talking about a structure?
It can hold a lot of weight without breaking.
Name one material used to build strong structures.
Metal, wood, concrete, brick....
What is a “force”?
A push or a pull.
What kind of structure is a tree?
A natural structure.
What is the purpose of a bridge?
To help people or vehicles cross over something like water or roads.
What does “stable” mean?
It doesn’t fall over easily.
Why might an engineer choose metal instead of wood for a bridge?
Because metal is stronger and lasts longer.
What force pulls everything toward the ground?
Gravity.
How do animals use structures in nature? Name 3 examples.
To live in, stay safe, or raise their young
Examples are: a bird's nest, a beaver dam and a beehive.
What do we call the part of a structure that touches the ground and supports it?
The base or foundation.
Name one way to make a structure stronger.
Use stronger materials, add supports, or use good joining methods.
What is one property of a good building material?
Strong, flexible, waterproof, or durable.
What happens when forces on a structure are not balanced?
The structure can tip, bend, or break.
What is the tallest type of human-made structure in a city?
A skyscraper/building.
What is the difference between a natural structure and a human-made (built) structure?
Natural structures are made by nature (like trees or beehives), and human-made structures are built by people (like buildings or bridges).
Why might a wide base make a structure more stable?
It spreads the weight and keeps the structure balanced.
Why is it important to choose the right material for a structure?
Because it affects how strong, stable, and safe the structure is.
What kind of force acts on the legs of a chair when you sit on it?
A compression force (pushing down).
Why do tall buildings need to be both strong and flexible?
So they can stand up to strong winds or earthquakes without breaking.
What is triangulation?
Triangulation is using a triangle shape to make a structure stronger and more stable.
How do engineers test if a structure is stable?
They test it by applying forces (like pushing, shaking, or adding weight) to see if it stays standing.
How can materials be combined to make a structure stronger?
By layering, reinforcing, or using different materials together for strength and flexibility.
(Twisting, braiding, adding layers, folding..)
What type of force stretches or pulls a structure apart, like when a rope is being pulled from both ends?
A tension force (pulling or stretching).
What is a strut? What is a tie? What real-world structures may use a strut and a tie?
A strut is a rod or bar (rigid part) that supports the frame and keeps it upright. An example is a tent pole.
A tie is a cord, rope or wire (flexible part) that help hold or stabilize a structure. An example is ropes holding a tent to the ground, or the cables used for a suspension bridge.