A group of kids and their parents met at the AIA (American Institute of Architects) to build a 14 foot geodesic dome, designed by Buckminster Fuller, the great engineer and inventor. Catherine Teegarden, the Director of Programs at the Center for Architecture Foundation, led the project. This is how we did it:
Our first step was to draw a circle using chalk and a string. Then we placed a foundation of sticks that followed the circle.
We constructed pentagrams.
and joined the pentagrams to the foundation of sticks.
The system was color-coded; the blue sticks were inserted in the blue joints, making construction a whole lot easier.
We joined the pentagrams to hexagons.
Slowly, the dome began to take shape.
When we reached the top, we gave it a little push and wow, the dome was standing.
Here it is, 14 feet in diameter and 8 feet high.
Part Two: We built dome models with marshmallows and toothpicks.
The trick was not eating the marshmallows.
Even very young kids built small domes.
For the grand finale, we took a group picture, with everyone looking really pleased with their dome adventure. Thanks AIA.
The Center for Architecture Foundation hosts monthly Family Days like this
for kids ages 5 and up and their adult companions. More information about these
and other architecture and design programs for kids can be found at
www.cfafoundation.org
|
No comments:
Post a Comment