All structures have a job to do. All Structures need to support themselves and may hold other things in place. The shape of a structure also affects its strength.
This unit provides revision and reinforcement of the previous units through problem solving activities. These activities emphasize the important links between shape (form) and the job the structure has to do (function).
An arch is a very strong shape. To get this strength with LEGO bricks, multiple layers are needed. The children could test and compare a single-layer arch with a multiple-layer one.
Problem solving challenges can be given to different groups: how to span the widest gap, or how to use a minimum number of bricks to hold the weight of three books, for example.
Collect pictures of arches in use on buildings, roads, furniture, etc. This will in crease children's awareness of arches in the world around them and develop the idea of the relationship between form and function.