Skip to content
MeerkatSkool Afrikaans
Summaries · Grade 5 Natural Sciences › Technology: structures and the design process
Free summary · Grade 5 Natural Sciences

Technology: structures and the design process

Structures, forces like compression and tension, and the design process. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz

Your progress0 of 3

Forces on structures

ForceWhat it doesExample
CompressionSquashesA pillar under a bridge
TensionStretchesA suspension bridge’s cables

The lower floors of a tall building are built stronger, because they carry all the weight above. The foundation spreads the weight into the ground.

Square: wobbles and foldsWith a brace: two triangles, rigid
A slanted brace keeps a rectangular frame rigid.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Strong shapes for bridges

  • An arch is strong, because it carries the force out to the sides.
  • A strength test: add weight until something breaks.
  • The model breaks in the middle? Strengthen the middle and test again.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

The design process

WordMeaning
Design briefA short statement of the problem
SpecificationA rule the design must meet
ConstraintA limit such as time or money
EvaluateTest and see how to improve
CommunicateExplain your design and choices

An efficient design does its job with little waste. Think about safety and the environment too: material and waste affect the earth.

Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • Frame structure: bars or poles. Shell structure: a cooldrink can. Solid structure: a brick wall.
  • Compression squashes a pillar; tension stretches a rope or cable.
  • An arch carries the force out to the sides; a truss spreads the load through triangles.
  • A high centre of gravity and a narrow base make a structure unstable.
  • Design: design brief, specifications and constraints; draw more than one solution; test and improve.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

Compression = a squeeze (squash). Tension = tug-of-war (stretch). Arches push sideways, triangles spread.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say what the word means, then turn the card over.

Test yourself · Part 2

True or false?

Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.

    Now the real quiz!

    The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.

    Take the quiz: Technology: structures and the design process
    All Grade 5 Natural Sciences summaries
    For parents
    • Read one part together and ask your child to tell it back in their own words.
    • The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.

    Follows CAPS for Grade 5 Natural Sciences and Technology. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.

    Free PDF