Your child can prepare for the science test by reviewing and answering the questions below:

• Write definitions for the following words: structure, strength, stability, load.

• Make a list of three natural structures and three man-made structures.

• Understand the difference between tension, compression, torsion, and bending.

• In class, we did an experiment with cardboard tubes of different heights. What did we learn about stability by doing this experiment?

• In class, we tried to build towers out of 50 cue cards. What were two things that the winning group did well with their tower design to make it so tall and stable?

• What job do structural engineers do?

• In class, we did an experiment with pasta noodles and marshmallows. What did you learn about strength from that experiment? How can you reinforce, or make structures stronger? What are struts and ties? What force does each deal with?

• What properties of material do you need to consider when building the following: a) a car tire; b) a backpack; c) a roof for a house in Kanata, d) a baseball bat.

• What will students have to consider if they want to do well in our in-class structure-building group challenge later this week? How will they make their structure strong and stable? Use words like: struts, ties, cross-bracing, layers, pillars, posts, beams, balanced, materials, tension, compression, torsion, base/foundation, etc. in your answer.