This week, Year 6 students embarked on an exciting Design and Technology unit exploring the strength and stability of structures. With the investigation question, How strong is a piece of spaghetti?, pupils applied scientific thinking, engineering skills, and creativity to build impressive designs.

The learning journey began with an engaging experiment to test the strength of spaghetti. Pupils devised a test by adding increasing loads to different amounts of spaghetti strands. Through careful observations, they drew important conclusions about how to create stronger structures.

Building on this knowledge, the students then explored the stability of various designs, focusing on the importance of shape in construction. They studied square-based pyramids and examined historical structures, particularly the works of James Maxwell and William Charles Tuke, who contributed to the iconic Blackpool Tower. As part of their learning, they discovered key architectural terms such as flying buttress and guyed mast, discussing both their function and aesthetic appeal.

After practising these techniques, the real challenge began! In the afternoon, pupils put their newfound knowledge to the test by constructing their own spaghetti and marshmallow structures. The goal? To build a tower standing over one metre tall! Using their understanding of stability, strength, and key architectural elements, students worked collaboratively to create impressive, towering designs.

The day was filled with creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning, leaving students inspired by the power of engineering and design. Who knew spaghetti could be so strong?

The pupils have clearly lived out our curriculum vision statement for Design and Technology: 

Be innovative.

Be hands-on.

Be diagnostic.