Grade 5 · Science · Lesson 37

Bridge building & forces

Bridges are structures engineers design to carry loads across a gap. Every bridge has to handle two main forces: compression (a squeezing push) and tension (a stretching pull). Different bridge shapes spread these forces in different ways. In this project lesson you will build a small model bridge, test how much weight it can hold, and look at how shape affects strength.

What this lesson teaches

1Identify the main forces that act on a bridge
2Compare beam, arch, and suspension bridge designs
3Explain why triangles make truss structures strong
4Plan a fair test for the load capacity of a model bridge

Free · 7 days · No credit card

Unlock the full HSEA system for 7 days.

Create a kid profile, open any lesson, save progress — your family uses HSEA exactly the way a paying family does. Cancel anytime. Nothing to set up, no card required.

✓ All 1,680 lessons, Grades 1–6, every subject
✓ Profiles + saved progress for every kid
✓ Final exams + printable certificates

Start your 7-day free trial →

Already convinced? See full membership plans →