The West Gate Bridge Engineering Design Failure + Video

Engineering Failures: The West Gate Bridge – Postcard Activity

This activity is ideal for Engineering or Design students to introduce them to one of the most significant engineering disasters in modern history; the collapse of the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, Australia. Designed as a creative writing and engineering reflection task, students take on the role of an engineer looking back on the event to identify what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and what lessons future engineers can learn.

Ideal for:

• Design and Technology (Structures, Materials, Engineering Contexts)
• STEM, Engineering, or History of Technology lessons
• Cover or extension work for Key Stage 3 or early Key Stage 4

What’s Included:

• 1. Printable postcard-style worksheet encouraging concise written reflection
• 1. Alternative postcard worksheet with a folding card.
• 1. Downloadable MP4 video file.

The worksheets include:

• Prompts exploring design failure, safety, materials, and human factors
• YouTube link to a short video explaining the West Gate Bridge collapse
• Suitable for both individual and group work

Video file MP4 included

While the video is also available to view online, this resource gives you everything you need for a complete, no-prep lesson:

• Offline playback – No internet required once downloaded
• No ads, no distractions – Safe and reliable for classroom use
• Smooth integration – Easily add the video file to Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, or your Learning Management platform