Problem Solving and Constructing

The beauty of science is that like life, when things don't go according to planned - we learn from it. In the case of our geodesic dome, we have experienced buckling at it's finest - newspapers twisting and turning, bending and breaking. However, our geodesic dome is growing and we will soon brainstorm to see how we can best support the dead load. Currently we have some support ropes holding it so that we can reinforce with beams and create some beams for compression.

As students are building this geodesic dome, they are also rotating in stations this week, to:

-Design their dream home
-Build marshmallow structures with limited marshmallows and toothpicks
-Read about tall structures around the world
-Review different roles - architect, contractor, structural engineer and draftsperson

We were so fortunate to have Tony Nash, Jackson's dad, come in to share about what it is like to be an architect. He showed us some international structures, local structures and even some of his designs from work over the last few years. It was a joy to see how pertinent our learning is and to make sure a special connection with our structure knowledge.

If you would like to come in to share your knowledge, expertise or joy for learning in any way, please let me know. You can email me at: dobyns.lynn@iccsd.k12.ia.us