E-Fabrication · Unit 02
Load Test + Failure Mapping
Low-Tech Structures · Hand tools + basic materials
Today’s challenge
Mark where structures bend, twist, separate, or collapse.
Grade 3 focusSmall models, simple measurement, teacher-provided tests, and one purposeful revision.
Grade 5 focusLoad ratios, repeated trials, tradeoff analysis, and material-efficiency scores.
Success example · inspiration, not a design to copy
Look closely. What makes this successful?
The load is added gradually while students watch and mark the first failure point.
What to do
- Understand. Read the challenge. Circle the important need, rule, or safety limit.
- Plan. Use the thinking spaces below before you begin making.
- Make. Build, model, code, practice, or investigate carefully with your team.
- Check. Use evidence—not guesses—to decide what worked.
- Improve or explain. Make one useful change or share your strongest conclusion.
Engineer’s thinking
1. What will you keep the same?
2. What one thing will you test or change?
3. Record the result with a number, tally, or clear observation.
4. What should you improve next?
Evidence check
Show what you learned.
Your teacher will look for: A failure map and load-test data identifying the first important weak point.
My evidence
My next step
Exit reflection
Today I learned that because .
Next time I will .
How independently did I work?□ I needed coaching□ I worked with my team□ I can teach this skill