Academic Programs –> National Building Museum--Geodesic Dome
National Building Museum--Geodesic Dome
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The class lifts the completed dome.
Students demonstrate the force of compression.
A student makes sure the rubber connector is properly fit with the strut. | Pre-trip lesson: To prepare for the National Building Museum’s “Geodesic Dome” program, students learn about basic architectural principles, such as which shape is strongest. Students explore how forces like compression, tension, and gravity are used to support different structures. They examine polyhedrons, compare them to two-dimensional shapes, and calculate volumes of some figures. They also learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the geodesic dome structure. Trip: Students work together to construct a 6.5’ x 13’ geodesic dome using struts, wing nuts, washers, and rubber connectors. They also learn about the Museum’s history and consider the advantages and disadvantages of its design. Post-trip lesson: Back in the classroom, students make three-dimensional figures from two-dimensional nets. Students also test their knowledge of architecture and forces such as compression, tension, and gravity as they compete in a collaborative review game and take written assessments. Academic Standards: Reading (6.LD-V.7); Mathematics (6.M.8); Science (6.1.8) |
