• The purpose of this activity is to show that making the base of the structure wider actually lowers the centre of gravity.
Background knowledge
The centre of gravity is the point around which an object will rotate and eventually fall over. The strength, rigidity and stability of the structure will ultimately depend on a number of
factors. These include: • Correct choice of material • Correct method of construction • Strengthening where possible to resist tension, torsion and bending forces. • Testing of ideas and learning from mistakes.
Assessment guidelines • This activity is intended for informal assessment. • Use the checklist below to assess learners. Criteria
The learner(s) can: recognise methods for making structures more stable. recognise the importance of keeping the centre of gravity in the lower portion of the structure’s shape. give some practical examples of where they have seen these principles in operation.
Additional fun activity
Build a protective cage to protect an egg from breaking as it falls from a height of 3 metres. Each group will need: • 24 straws • some sticky tape • a pair of scissors • eight rubber bands • one hardboiled egg
Build a supporting cage for the egg, using the materials given. Test it by dropping it from a height (3 metres). Observe which structure was the most effective and work out why some structures failed.
Yes
Partly
No
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