Forces and stresses

Start with forces

Begin with the mind map titled Forces, which describes a force as a push or pull and introduces external and internal forces. Use it to become familiar with those terms before moving on to the effects of forces. Another mind map on structural forces introduces balance, stability and resistance, giving you a way to connect forces with structures.

Move from forces to stress

The Stresses caused by forces mind map links an applied force with a change in shape and describes stress as resistance to change. It covers compression and other ways forces affect structures. Follow it with Flash cards for forces in DT, which brings together terms including tension, compression, shear, bending and torsion.

You can use the flashcards to review the terms after reading the map. Then return to the map and check how it describes the effects of forces.

Use a quiz with a map

After studying the definitions, try the quiz on external and internal forces. Its questions include what a force is and what internal force means. Return to the Forces mind map to look over those ideas again.

Another quiz asks about friction, stability and material failure. Pair it with the map on structural forces to compare the questions with its discussion of stability and resistance. Teachers can also use these resources to find material for work on forces and structures.

Explore the unit

Forces and stresses is a section of Structures and Forces in Design and technology. The page also lists maps on structures that bring together loads, stresses and conditions such as stability and rigidity. A set of notes covers forces, stresses, strength and elements that increase rigidity and stability.

Choose a map or quiz and use it as a starting point for exploring the unit.