D e p a r t m e n t o f A r c h a e o l o g y & H i s t o r i c P r e s e r v a t i o n , . ( 2 0 1 1 ) . G e o d e s i c d o m e s . R e t r i e v e d f r o m h t t p : / / w w w . d a h p . w a . g o v/ S t y l e s / G e o d e s i c D o m e s .h t m

Student Name:_________

Unit 1: Technological Inventions and Innovations

Lesson 2: Technological Effects on New ProcessesStudent Resource 1.2.1: Geodesic Dome

What is a Geodesic Dome?A geodesic dome is a sphere shaped structure made up of a series of triangles. The dome uses a minimum amount of material to achieve its structural strength. Buckminster Fuller invented the geodesic dome in 1949. Steps to Building a Geodesic Dome:With your group, complete the following steps to construct your own geodesic dome. Use the plastic bag given to you to store the parts during construction.

1. Cut the straws given to you by your teacher to the lengths and quantity indicated below.

Cut 13 straws exactly in half You’ll need 25 equal pieces

2. Use the pipe cleaners given to you by your teacher to create the appropriate connectors as indicated below:

Cut 5 pipe cleaners in three equal partsTwist together to create 5 separate 4-way connectors

Cut 6 pipe cleaners in three equal partsTwist together to create 6 separate 5-wayConnectors

3. Use the copy of the dome diagram on the next page (Figure 1) to assemble your straws and pipe cleaner connectors.

4. When you are finished, show your dome to your teacher.

©2011 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Foundations of Technology, Third Edition/

Technology, Engineering, and Design

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Figure 1

Please note: 5 struts are needed to begin construction around the perimeter

©2011 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Foundations of Technology, Third Edition/

Technology, Engineering, and Design

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