Physics can be a complicated subject for young (and old) students.  Experiencing these basic structural principles though architecture provides a fun introduction to the basic concepts of external and internal forces for elementary and middle school age children.  Plus, working in small groups allows opportunities for cooperation and creative problem solving.

Forces in Architecture

Architects and engineers are responsible for making sure buildings are safe for people to use.  They analyze the structure to figure out how loads, or external forces applied to the structure, might affect the individual components of the structure, such as beams and columns, and make sure the buildings will not collapse.  “Loads” include things like people, furniture, snow, wind and earthquakes.  These external forces create internal forces that act within the structure or building material.  Internal forces include compression, tension, torsion, and shear.

Construct a “Body” Building

By Acting Out Structures a small group of little architects and engineers can work in pairs to experience the forces of compression (pushing) and tension (pulling), torsion (twisting) and shear (sliding).   Then, individually and in small groups they can become columns, beams, arches and more as they identify the forces within the structural elements they create.  Working in a large group, students can assemble “body” buildings by combining these various structural elements.

Looking for creative projects to further test these forces in architecture?  Check out the architecture and engineering projects for young designers shown below!

For more entertaining and engaging building activities that test the strength of geometric shapes (preview images above), check out the following posts:

• Paint Chip Building Blocks (top left)
• Paper Columns (top center)
• Paper Bridges (right top + bottom)
• Gumdrop Engineering (bottom left)
• Introduction to Architectural Model Making (bottom center)

And, you can’t go wrong with these great Architecture and Construction Storybooks.

Happy Building!