Our fifth grade science classes have been actively involved in a "Structures Unit." During these 'hands on" lessons, the students were challenged to build several structures using limited materials while adhering to good principles of construction. Straws, paper clips, string, and index cards were the only supplies provided. Working in cooperative groups, the students' successes can be viewed in the following pictures.

The tallest structure to support the greatest "live load." Notice the weights hanging from the top.	Triangles out of cards made a strong and interesting structure.
Cards of different shapes supported heavier loads.	"We think it will stand!"
The taller, the better!	"Should we add one more support?"
Paper clips were used as chains to help distribute the load.	The bridges had to support a live load of 30 steel washers.
String at the bottom of this structure worked well under tension.	Trusses made from straws provided great strength.
Students demonstrated their bridge's live load capacity.	Students had to answer questions about their structures.
Mr. Mead displayed his students' best structures in the media center. Everyone marvelled because the tall straw buildings didn't fall down.	Science Class II
Science Class III	Science Class I

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