
Activity.... Do – Think - Learn
There are four main forms of bridge structures, the beam, the cantilever, the arch and the suspension cable.
Can you make an arch bridge?
What is holding the blocks in place?
What is a bridge that carries water called?
The Science Bit
An arch bridge pushes outwards against the supports, unlike a beam bridge that transmits its weight vertically on to the supports. On an arch bridge, the supports must be heavy to resist any horizontal thrust of the arch.
Curriculum Links
Friction
- That there is a force between an object and a surface which may prevent the object from moving
- To predict what they think will happen and to plan a fair test
- That friction can be useful
Forces in Action
- That several forces may act on one object