Redesigning Bridges: Analyse, Improve, Build
Lesson 6: Building Bridges Unit Year 8 Design and Technologies Analysing test results and planning improvements
What Did Our Tests Reveal?
Think about your bridge test results from last lesson What surprised you about how your bridge performed? What would you change if you could build it again?
The Engineering Design Process
Test and evaluate your design Analyse what worked and what didn't Brainstorm improvements and solutions Redesign based on evidence Build and test again
Analyse Your Test Results
Work in groups of 4 Create a two-column chart: 'What Worked Well' and 'What Didn't Work' Use your test data, photos, and observations Think about strength, stability, and materials
Technical Vocabulary for Bridge Analysis
{"left":"Tension: pulling force that stretches materials\nCompression: pushing force that squeezes materials\nLoad: weight or force applied to the bridge","right":"Stability: ability to resist movement or collapse\nStructural integrity: overall strength of the design\nLoad distribution: how weight spreads across the bridge"}
Brainstorm Design Improvements
Stay in your groups Brainstorm at least 3 specific changes to improve your bridge Consider: materials, shape, connections, support structure Sketch your ideas and explain your reasoning
Present Your Redesign Ideas
Each group presents for 2-3 minutes Explain your proposed improvements clearly Use technical vocabulary in your explanations Other groups will ask questions and give feedback
Engineering Mindset
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." - Henry Ford Every test teaches us something valuable Redesigning makes our solutions stronger