Unit: Grade 7 science

Unit D: Structures and forces

Outcomes:
SLO1:2-interpret examples of variation in the design of structures that share a common
function, and evaluate the effectiveness of the designs
SLO1:3-describe and compare example structures developed by different cultures and at
different times; and interpret differences in functions, materials and aesthetics
SLO2:3- identify tension, compression, shearing and bending forces within a structure; and
describe how these forces can cause the structure to fail
Objective: By the end of the project, students will compare the different functionalities of
traditional FNMI lodgings. Students will put these different lodging onto several stress tests to
determine the relative strengths and functions of each.

Materials:
-Models of: Iroquoian Longhouse, Algonquian Wigwam (Domed or not), Plains Teepee, plateau
pit house, Coastal Plank House, and an Arctic Igloo.
-Fan, ice shaver, popsicle sticks, and weights (could be anything but easiest to keep it consistent
i.e. have many textbooks or actual weights)

Assignment:
Comparison of First Nations Lodgings
We are going to compare the various strengths of traditional Canadian lodgings. We are going
to be looking at First Peoples dwellings. We will be putting them through applied pressure
tests, hurricane like conditions, and several other tests.

Activity #1
Introducing the test and the homes.
-We are going to test six different types of First Nations traditional housing. These are the
Iroquoian Longhouse from Ontario, the Algonquian wigwam (found across Canada), the Plains
Teepee (Blackfoot and Ojibwa), the pit house found in very southern Alberta and Montana, the
plank house from BC, and lastly the Igloo found up in the Arctic. We are going to put these
homes all through different stress tests. The first test will be pointing a powerful fan on them to
simulate strong winds. Then we will be using textbooks as weights to see how many the
structure can hold up on its top. Finally, we will be applying pressure sideways by putting the
textbooks on an angle against the homes.

Video Reflection: What is different about these homes? Do these homes all serve the same
purpose? Could these homes all be found in one area?

Activity #2 Quick History of each type of house.

We know each First Nation was different. Each nation also had their own distinct area of
Canada. Canada is one of the largest land masses on Earth because of this we many different
weather patterns and climates. This is why we have such different types of homes. For
example, many of the First Peoples of the plains were nomadic. This means they did not stay in
any one place for long. Their homes the teepees had to be made mobile to be brought with
them while they moved. The Iroquoian Longhouse was built to stay. The Nations who built
them stayed in them year-round. These differences in culture help explain why they are all
different.

Video Reflection: Which of the houses that we will test do you think were made to move?
Which of the houses we are testing do you think were made to be mobile? Does this help you
have a hypothesis on which houses will be the strongest?

Activity #3- Hypothesize and testing.

Now that we have some of the background on the various structures we are going to test.
Please pull out your science journal and write down your hypothesis on which structure you
think will be the strongest. Also, I want you to draw a diagram of three of the structures and the
lines of how the force of the stress will go through it. Separate students into groups to perform
stress tests

Video: Which of these do you think will be the strongest (can create class poll on the board)?

Conclusion:
We talked a lot on the strengths of different FNMI buildings. This can help us understand many
science principles! That where the structure is will help determine its function. There is always a
trade-off we as scientists or engineers have to make. Normally mobile or easily moved
structures are not as strong as the structures built to stay in one place. How the stress goes
through an object is dependent on the object, it will not always pass straight through unless
there is a straight line. In the igloo the force gets pushed along the curve that is why circles can
be such a strong shape!
 Testing Structures Worksheet

Name:_______________ Date:

Type of Structure Vertical Horizontal Wind Stress in

Stress/textbooks Stress/textbooks seconds

Iroquoian
Longhouse

Algonquian
Wigwam

Plains Teepee

Plateau Pit House

Coastal Plank
House