English National Curriculum - Science Science

2. Understand how to select the right materials to build a bridge

Mission Objectives

Understand that some materials are stronger than others

Compare the strength of different materials

Understand that materials differ in strength and can be strengthened by changing their structure

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Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

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Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

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Lesson Plan

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

bridge

a structure built over an obstacle, such as a river, that enables people or vehicles to travel across

construction

the process of building something

obstacle

something that blocks the way

triangle

a three sided shape

structure

a building or an object

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This lesson has been written by

Clare Faulkner

Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!

In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Katie Barrie


Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts. 

In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.  

Contact: [email protected]  

Required Resources

Resources: 2 books, a range of weights, aluminium foil, card, paper and wood.

Core Handout (2): A results table for the children to record the results of their bridge test.

Challenge Handout (4): On the same sheet, there is space for the children to explain why some materials were more or less successful at holding a weight. 

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