Choose a material for its job, not a general strength ranking

A rigid sample may suit a base while a flexible one suits a fold. Compare materials through the actual action required, helping children explain suitability instead of assuming the stiffest or thickest option is always best.

Flexible paper may suit a fold where rigid card resists it.

Suitable for which component?

Compare properties against the intended action. Flexibility, stiffness and ease of folding can matter differently for different components.

Describe each sample. Try the required action. Explain suitability.

Suitable for which purpose? Offer prepared samples.

Stronger is not always more suitable.

Resources

• Paper Bridge Design Challenge — Apply a stated span and test method when comparing the paper prototypes.

Further reading

• Australian Curriculum Version 9 — Technologies overview

Read next

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• Leave the next maker a usable engineering handover

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