QCA Scheme Structures

1. QCA SchemeStructures David Boyle Adviser - QLS Staffordshire LEA

2. Unit 1B - Playgrounds • Children explore a range of full-size items of playground equipment and make their own models. • This unit gives children opportunities to learn about framework structures and how to make them stable and able to support loads

3. Unit 1D - Homes • This unit gives children opportunities to develop their understanding of structures. • They develop and model their ideas by creating static models from sheet and reclaimed materials and using construction kits. They gain a basic understanding about structures and how these can be made stronger and more stable.

4. Unit 3A - Packaging • Through this unit children learn about strengthening sheet material to make a strong shell structure, which can be used for a variety of packaging. They gain knowledge about nets and about how complex 3D shapes can be made by using a net.

5. Unit 3D - Photograph frames • In this unit, children learn about stiffening materials and making stable structures through the context of free-standing photograph frames. The unit uses readily available materials and examples.

6. Unit 5A - Musical instruments - Update • Children learn about the construction of a range of musical instruments, including those from different times and cultures, and how different sounds can be created and altered to make different notes.

7. Unit 6A - Shelters • In this unit, children learn about structures. • They learn that structures can fail when loaded, and the use of techniques for reinforcing and strengthening structures. They are shown the strength of tubes as a construction material and textiles as a suitable cover for a framework.

8. 2 main types of structure: Frames • Frame structures • Framework: The rigid structure of an object made by joining short rods, girders or tubes • Examples include gates, playground equipment, pylons etc.

9. Frame structures • Frames are usually made from fairly light flimsy materials which have been strengthened in some way (folding or rolling) • Use of triangles for rigidity – rectangles are easy to push over

10. Parts of a frame structure • Ties are members which are under tension. Ties could be made from non rigid material i.e. cable • Struts are members which are under compression. Struts need to be rigid.

11. 2 main types of structure: Shells • Shell structures • An outer covering with it’s own essential form • Examples include:- • Shells, boxes, balloons, tubes

12. Shell structures • Shell structures are usually made from fairly thin sheet material • The strength of the shell is generated by its shape i.e. how the sheet material is formed by folding or curving

13. Shell structures are often made from nets

14. Icebreaker activity 1 • Making paper stronger • Using a single sheet of A4 paper and the fastenings available to you see how many different ways you can find to support a wooden wheel above the table • Now see how many wooden wheels can be held 10cm above the table using a single sheet of A4

15. Icebreaker activity 2 • Now using newspaper and the fastenings available to you, build a tower to support a wooden wheel as high as possible off the floor. • Have fun!