Strong and stable structures

What they’re learning

Your child is learning that structures must be strong enough to hold loads and stable enough not to tip or collapse. Shape, materials, joints, and base width all matter.

Explain it to my child

A structure is strong if it can handle a load. It is stable if it is hard to tip over. A wide base often makes a structure more stable.

Try it together

Build two paper towers: one with a narrow base and one with a wider base. Add coins one at a time to test load capacity, then improve the weaker design.

Practice

1. What is a load?
2. What often makes a tower more stable?
3. Why can triangles strengthen frames?
4. What should you do after a structure fails in a design test?
5. Is “strong” exactly the same as “stable”?

Check understanding

• Can your child distinguish strength from stability?
• Can they use test evidence to suggest a design improvement?