Types of structure
A structure is a 3D shape made from different materials and parts.
Structures are designed and made to be strong, stable and sturdy.
This means that they will not break or fall over easily.
There are two main types of structures:
- frame structures
- shell structures
Video: What is a structure?
Find out about the difference between frame structures and shell structures.
You’ve got a dog!
And it needs somewhere to hang out.
You could make it a shelter.
So what kind of structure will you build?
What about a frame structure?
Frame structures are made by joining different parts together in a way that keeps them stableand solid.
And there are lots of different ways to make a frame structure!
Right, let's get ready to build!
All set?
Ah, you’re making a wooden frame?
That’s good!
But to be a shelter, this frame structure needs to be covered.
Wood! Yes, that works nicely!
There’s another way of making a structure.
A shell structure is just made of a thin, curved outer layer and it’s hollow inside.
Like this, or this, or this, or this.
A shell structure doesn’t need any kind of frame and it can be very strong!
So you’d like to make a shell structure as well?
What could you use?
Hmmmm.
Ooh!Good idea!
So now your dog can choose.
I think it likes them both!
Frame structures
A frame structure is made of different parts joined together.
The builder must choose the right materials and join them in the right way.
Here are some examples of frame structures you might have heard of.
Image caption, Climbing frame
This climbing frame is a frame structure made of pieces of wood joined together.
1 of 3
Shell structures
A shell structure has an outer layer and is hollow. Its outside layer is thin and curved.
It has little or no joins where the different parts of the structure are connected together.
Usually, shell structures are built to protect and hold things inside them.
Here are some examples of shell structures you might have heard of.
Image caption, Igloo
An igloo is a shell structure. It has a thin, curved outer layer of ice and a hollow centre.
1 of 3
Key words
| 3D shape | A solid shape that has a length, width, and height. It is not flat. |
| Frame structure | A frame structure is made of different strong parts joined together. |
| Hollow | Something that has an empty space inside. |
| Shell structure | A shell structure is thin, curved and has little or no joins. |
| Stable | Something that is not likely to give way, fall over and is firmly fixed. |
Frame or shell structure?
See if you can spot the shell structures and frame structures in this activity.
More on Structures
Find out more by working through a topic
- count2 of 3
- count3 of 3
