Truss the Forces

We use STEM to understand the world around us by representing invisible interactions as concepts we can share and teach each other. One of the most fundamental concepts in physics is Newton’s second law of motion: F = ma which teaches us how objects move when a force is applied to it.

We use our understanding of forces everywhere from building bridges to launching rockets. But forces are invisible. In this model of a truss bridge, I have brought to life the forces in a bridge to help give an intuitive understanding of what happens to the materials in these structures.

Each beam of the truss can measure the compression (blue) or tension (red) force it is experiencing, all while using only LEGO elements! I have used some clever design around two LEGO TECHNIC springs to create a beam that can visualise its force. The beams can be arranged in almost any way, enabling discovery, understanding, and play at the same time!

Including the green weight, this model contains 998 pieces. Phew.