Dome in Nome_________________________________

Developed by: Shannon Wyckoff, 2014 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ Finalist

Discipline / Subject: Applied Geometry, Physical Science, Algebra, Technology

Topic: Circumference, Surface Area, Snow Loads, Geo Domes

Grade Level: 9th -12th Grade.

Can be modified for grades 6-8

Resources / References / Materials Teacher Needs: Activity 1: Internet Activity 2: marshmallows, straws, toothpicks, scissors(washers or small weights) Activity 3: Internet Activity 4: duct tape, scissors, bamboo rods (can be purchased in various sizes), small ladder

Lesson Summary: A dog kennel owner in Nome, Alaska is concerned about the amount of snow on his roof. Students are given the task of calculating snow loads, evaluating architectural designs and planning a new building that can withstand a higher amount of snow load. Alaska received around 134.5 inches of snow last year. Due to the extreme amounts of snow, schools were closed for the first time due to the build up of snow on city buildings. Geo domes are remarkable efficient geometric structures. Geodesic domes are able to distribute stress and weight the most economically.

Students will compose a research paper, participate in a structure-building competition, present and display their geo domes and complete the activity by creating a class geo dome. Designing and constructing geo domes will expose students to unique theoretical and practical challenges. Internet resources make research of location, use, construction, features, and specifications readily available for a wide variety of dome designs. Students will be required to use various forms of multimedia for group sharing of research, record keeping and presenting their products. The final product will stimulate interest and demonstrate the application of geometric concepts.

Students will have an increased awareness of more in-depth concepts relating to the study of architecture, geometry and structures. They will identify and understand the forces of compression and tension and how these affect structures. Students will be able to identify how triangles and tetrahedrons support and distribute weight.

Standards Addressed: Common Core Standards Addressed

1. G.CO.10 – Prove theorems about triangles.

2. G.MG.1 – Use geometric shapes, their measures, and their properties to describe objects.

3. G.MG.3 – Apply geometric methods to solve design problems.

4. G.GMD.4 – Visualize relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects.

5. G.GPE.7 – Use coordinates to prove simple geometric theorems algebraically.

Ohio Mathematics Academic Content Standards Gr. 8-10 Benchmarks

Number, Number Sense and Operations:

G. Estimate, compute and solve problems involving real numbers, including ratio, proportion and percent, and explain solutions.

Measurement:

A. Solve increasingly complex non-routine measurement problems and check for reasonableness of results.

B. Use formulas to find surface area and volume for specified three-dimensional objects accurate to a specified level of precision.

E. Estimate and compute various attributes, including length, angle measure, area, surface area and volume, to a specified level of precision.

Geometry and Spatial Sense:

C. Recognize and apply relationships in situation involving intersection lines, perpendicular lines and parallel lines.

E. Draw and construct representations of two-and three-dimensional geometric objects using a variety of tools, such as straightedge, compass and technology.

Technology Standards Alignment: ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students:

1. Creativity and Innovation: a: apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.

2. Communication and Collaboration: d: contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.

3. Research and Information Fluency: b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media. c. evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on appropriateness to specific tasks. d. process data and report results.

4. Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: c. collects and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions. D. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to

explore alternative solutions.

5. Digital Citizenship: b. exhibits a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning and productivity.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts: b. selects and use applications effectively and productively.

Learning Objectives:

1. Students, through library, internet and personal contact resources will research snow loads and their affect on structures and structural damage.

2. Students will learn to apply geometric and architectural terms as they relate to angle, segment, diameter, perpendicular, isosceles, equilateral, pentagon, perimeter, area, polyhedron, stress, force, dynamic tension, and geo dome.

3. Students will master construction techniques, which will allow the convenient assembly and disassembly of their geo dome.

4. Students will choose an appropriate multimedia tool and prepare a presentation of their plan and product.

5. Students will improve their ability to visualize two and three dimensional geometric figures and object.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed using a rubric.

Students will be assessed for each of the following parts of the project:

Individual Research Report – must include 3 references.

Group Competition – Points given based on place in class.

Group Presentation and Model – Students assessed on use of terminology, technology and model.

Group Participation in Class Construction – Students assessed for cooperation and effort.

Procedural Activities

1. Activity One: Students compose an individual research report about snow loads and architectural structures that are more beneficial for weight bearing. Students must include 3 references that are cited.

2. Activity Two: Students are assigned groups. Each group must participate in a structure-building competition.

3. Activity Three: Each group designs, constructs and presents a geo dome. Groups must construct a model and power point to go with their presentation.

4. Activity Four: Class constructs a geo dome.

Materials Students Need: Activity One: Access to internet. Activity Two: straws, scissors, toothpicks, marshmallows. Activity Three: Access to Internet, Power point presentation access, paper, construction materials to build model. (Cannot use straws and marshmallows.) Activity Four: Bamboo, Duct Tape, Scissors, Ladder

Technology Utilized to Enhance Learning: Internet, Power Point, Model calculators

Other Information: Students can research what supplies are readily available for building a premade structure or tent.

Modifications for Special Learners/ Enrichment Opportunities: For Special Needs: Students can be given the snow load figures and information. Each student can use additional materials to construct their geo domes. Students can be placed on teams to complete the entire project as a team. Enrichment: Students can try to calculate snow loads for given architectural designs based on surface area, circumference or area.

Additional Information : See Additional Information Sheets