The Structures unit focuses on the ideas that all objects, both living and nonliving, are structures. The type of strength a structure has depends on its shape and the material it is made from. Through engaging explorations, students learn that form follows function; that a structure is designed for a specific purpose and the purpose dictates the type of strength the structure must have. GUIDING QUESTIONS: What is a structure? What makes a structure strong? LEARNING GOALS: Students are able to use the following skills: * With teacher guidance, conduct investigations to test the stability and strength of different types of structures * Communicate the results of their investigations both verbally and in written form *Use the results of one investigation to improve their design in a subsequent investigation Students demonstrate understanding of the following concepts: *Every object, living and nonliving, is a structure *A structure is made up of individual parts that are also structures *The form of a structure is determined by the function it performs *Structures are affected by forces, pushing or pulling *Compression is a force that pushes a material or structure together *Tension is a force that pulls a material or structure apart