IN THIS LESSON

Engineers often use shapes and folds to make materials stronger without making them heavier.

Today you’ll test how a flat sheet compares to a folded (ridged) sheet when weight is added. You’ll learn why folds help roofs, bridges, and cardboard stay strong.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Prepare Your Panels

    • Cut or use two sheets of paper/cardboard: one flat, one folded into ridges or zigzags.

  2. Set Up for Testing

    • Place each sheet across two books or blocks (like a little bridge).

    • Put a small weight (coins, toy car, or eraser) in the middle.

  3. Compare Results

    • Does the flat sheet bend easily?

    • Does the folded sheet hold more weight?

  4. Record & Reflect

    • Draw your flat and folded panels.

    • Fill in the reflection: The folded sheet was stronger because __.

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  • Key Concept

    Adding folds or ridges makes materials stiffer by spreading the force across many angles. That’s why tin roofs, corrugated cardboard, and even airplane wings use folds or ribs for extra strength without adding heavy materials.

    Extension Ideas

    • Math Connection: Count how many folds you used — does more folding equal more strength?

    • Science Connection: Try different materials (paper, foil, cardboard) and compare results.

    • Literacy Connection: Write a short “news report” about which roof design is best for a storm.

Early Engineers: Folded Roof Strength

Predict → Match → Quiz. See how folds add strength.

Module

1) Make a Prediction

Which panel is stronger with the same weight?

2) Match the Ideas

Tap a left item and its match on the right. Get all 4 to continue.

Matches: 0/4

3) Was the Prediction Correct?

...

Quick Quiz

Choose the best answer.

1) Which panel was stronger?
2) Folds add ______ to a material.
3) Corrugation means many small ______.
4) In a fair test we keep the ______ the same.
5) The variable we changed was the ______.
Score: 0/5

Print this page as PDF for proof of completion.