Papier Mache, Bridges and a 100 Penny Challenge!

Year 3 have started their new DT work this week. They will be making photo frames based on our current class novel 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. The frame will incorporate the ancient art of papier mache and also 3D wire work.

We started by looking a little closer at the papier mache technique . We learned that it is a french word for chewed paper and that it was even used by the ancient Egyptians to make coffins. We also learned that when done properly it is incredibly strong and long lasting. So to practice the layering technique we papier mached an initial from our name. We learned the importance of layering over the edges, how much glue to use (and not use!) and how using different papers help us to know how many layers we have used.



An important part of our unit is understanding how to create a stable structure. To help us with this, and as part of our European study on France we looked at a range of famous french bridges. We saw examples of arch, beam, truss, suspension and cable stay bridges and looked very carefully at what made them secure and stable. We were then given the challenge of creating a bridge from given materials that would support a cup holding 100 pennies. Some of our bridges were more successful than others but we learned a lot! Take a look:-