ABSTRACT
Young children need to learn to recognise and make models of simple structures and know that objects are changed by forces being applied to them. As the children mature they should increasingly be able to identify pattern in structures and should make and test two- and three-dimensional models for themselves. Much of this work can be combined with scientific work on forces and investigations on everyday constructional materials. Children need to examine and understand how forces affect existing structures by identifying internal and external forces on various constructions; investigating how different materials react when a force is applied; and examining how shape and method of construction can increase the strength of a structure. Once children have a grasp of some of these concepts they should be able to apply this knowledge in their own constructions.
