Building & Construction Incursion (P – 6)

Through fantastic, hands-on activities, this exciting 90-minute incursion combines student’s natural creativity with basic engineering concepts. Students explore the properties of different materials and look at the building strength of different shapes. From testing eggs shells to designing bridges, this incursion is packed full of fun activities that are perfect for younger year levels. Our passionate science educators carefully guide students through each step, prompting students to predict, observe and reflect on each activity.

• Students will explore the properties of materials, looking at shapes and their different strengths for building.
• This topic is great preparation for student design and make projects, such as playgrounds and bridges.

• Examine our model to identify how forces and materials are used in the design of a playground;
• Make different shapes with various materials;
• Test the effect of tension, compression and torsion forces on the different shapes;
• Compare how much friction particular materials have and discuss areas of high/low friction on a playground;
• Test different shaped “logs” for cabin construction;
• Predict and observe a demonstration of the amount of weight different shaped columns can hold;
• Test the strength of egg shells and discuss their shape;
• Explore different bridge shapes while designing and testing bridges to hold toy cars.

• F-2: The way objects move depends on a variety of factors including their size and shape: a push or a pull affects how an object moves or changes shape (VCSSU048)
• F-2: Objects are made of materials that have observable properties (VCSSU044)
• 3-4: Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance (VCSSU064)
• 3-4: Natural and processed materials have a range of physical properties; these properties can influence their use (VCSSU060)

• F-2: Explore the characteristics and properties of materials and components that are used to create designed solutions (VCDSTC017)
• F-2 :Use personal preferences to evaluate the success of design ideas, processes and solutions including their care for environment (VCDSCD021)
• 3-4: Investigate how forces and the properties of materials affect the behaviour of a designed solution (VCDSTC024)
• 3-4: Investigate the suitability of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment for a range of purposes (VCDSTC027)
• 3-4: Critique needs or opportunities for designing and explore and test a variety of materials, components, tools and equipment and the techniques needed to create designed solutions (VCDSCD028)