Structures: purpose, types and towers
The four purposes of structures, types of structures, forces, strengthening and cellphone towers. 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
Purpose and types
| Purpose | Example |
|---|---|
| Support | A column or a table |
| Contain | A water tank |
| Protect | A cycling helmet |
| Span | A bridge over a river |
- Natural: honeycomb, spider web. Man-made: dam, bridge.
- A tent for a weekend is a temporary structure.
- A column is an upright support that carries the load to the ground. A suspension bridge hangs its road from strong cables.
Forces and failure
A plank across a gap bends under a load: the top is squashed and the bottom stretched. Structural failure is when a structure can no longer carry its load, usually because the load is too big. A thin sheet becomes much stiffer when you fold or corrugate it.
- A tall tower must resist the wind most of all.
- Visual pollution: structures that spoil the look of a place. Disguise a tower as a tree.
Remember this and test yourself
- A structure carries a load. Four purposes: support, contain, protect, span.
- Frame (little material), shell (egg, cool-drink can, dome), solid (brick wall: heavy).
- Shear makes two parts slide past each other, as when scissors cut.
- A gusset strengthens a joint; cross-bracing is two crossed diagonals forming triangles.
- Cellphone towers are frame structures: tall, light and letting wind through.
Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.
Four purposes: “Some Cats Play Safely” (support, contain, protect, span).
Important words
First say what the word means, then turn the card over.
Match column A to column B
Tap a word in column A, then its meaning in column B. You can also start in column B.
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: Structures: purpose, types and towers- 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 7 Technology (Technology). Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.