Name __________________________________
[Introduction] [Task] [Process] [Resources] [Evaluation] [Conclusion] [Teacher Notes]
All structures are always in either tension or compression. Structures can only pull or push.
Try this: Take a thin rubber band. Pull on it. You are putting the rubber band in tension and the rubber band becomes longer. When a part of a structure becomes longer it is in tension.
Try this: Take a thick sponge and push on it. When you push down on it, it is in compression and it becomes shorter. When a part of a structure becomes shorter it is in compression.
The amount of lengthening and shortening in a structure is usually so small that it is not possible to see it with the naked eye.
Consider a tent.
The tent poles and the tent strings are part of the structure.
The tent poles would be in __________________________
The tent strings would be in _________________________
See if you can determine whether these are in tension or in compression.
Try this: Find a partner. Put your hands on the shoulder of your partner and have him/her do the same. Move your feet away from each other one step at a time, forming an arch. As long as your feet are firmly planted on the floor your arch will remain in tact and you won’t fall. Why?
[Introduction] [Task] [Process] [Resources] [Evaluation] [Conclusion] [Teacher Notes]