Assembly order can make a later join possible or impossible

A roof attached too early may hide the tab needed for an internal support. Lay out the parts and rehearse the sequence before permanent joining, looking for dependencies rather than simply numbering a familiar routine.

To hand: A simple paper shelter design.

1. List components.
2. Identify hidden joins.
3. Sequence assembly.

Which step needs access to this part?

Try the proposed sequence with paper parts before permanent joining. This can reveal a step that blocks access to a later attachment.

Attaching an internal support may be easier before closing the roof.

A neat final model can hide construction dependencies. What must happen first?

Arrange step cards.

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

• Design the model's pack-down as well as its construction
• Decoration can also have a function
• An unfinished model can still show engineering learning

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