1. STRAW TOWER SUMMARY/EVALUATION NOTES LESSON
THINK SWINGSET – BULLY!!
Crushing – squeezing
Force
pressing
Force
Pulling
Stretching
Different/Better
Push/Pull
Build
Change
construction technology force compression tension
torsion shear pier truss beam
gusset failure weight efficiency live load
dead load
Triangle shape
Spread
Vertical
compression
Horizontal
Bends
Force
Twisting
Force
Sliding
Connect supports
Material
Works well
Material used
Load
Collapse
Weight
Changes
Weight of
structure

2. Construction Technology Balance
1. Describe at least three characteristics you feel make ANY tower/structure successful. (USE THE VOCAB.)
Piers
Trusses
Beams
Gussets
Construction Technology
Balance
Efficiency
2. When we assemble the sides of the tower we use three pieces of tape. One at the top, bottom and middle, as well as, hot glue on the top and bottom inch of each seam. Why do we use tape and hot glue? Think forces!!!
Reduces Tension – Pulling - Stretching
Failure weight up = Efficiency up
3.Explain why when looking at structures, we are less concerned with failure weight and more concerned with efficiency?
Unlimited Materials – Materials used - Costs $$$$
4. Balance is an important characteristic for many types of structures. How does poor balance play a role in the failure of a structure?
Shear force = Lower failure weight = Lower efficiency
5. A tower is only one type of structure. On the diagram located on the back of the open response sheet, label the following parts of a structure as they relate to a house: Ground Level, Slab, Foundation, Flooring, Decking, Wall System, and Roof System. (Use the wooden house model for help)

3. ROOF SYSTEM G
WALL SYSTEM
FLOORING D F
GROUND LEVEL
DECKING E C
FOUNDATION B
SLAB A