Task

You are part of a design team that must learn about a specific type of structure.

The question of the week:

How do different forces and construction materials affect building techniques?

Your Task:

Your group is responsible for teaching the class about a specific type of structure. To help us understand the design issues, your team needs to research several topics:

	Forces (tension, compression, shear, torsion)
	Materials that withstand these forces the best, and materials that don't
	Location/transmission of forces within the structure

Your Roles:

Each member of your group will need to learn about a specific type of force and where it exists within your structure. Each of you will also investigate a different construction material and its applications. Then you will work together to prepare a presentation that includes the following information:

	Type of structure and appropriate uses with examples
	Location of forces that exist within the structure and how they are distributed
	Appropriate materials and fastening techniques
	Design challenges

Your Products:

Your group's presentation should include the following materials:

	PowerPoint presentation narrated by your group
	Demonstration or classroom activity related to your topic
	Handout with text, diagrams and photos
	Poster to hang in the classroom
	Worksheet for students to complete as homework