CONTEXT:

Whether societies dwell in cold or hot climates, shelter from the elements is important for survival. Often the quest for a sheltering structure may not be a need, but a want, desire or a means to achieve some other result. Whatever the reason, a building is normally designed to shelter people and their property.

Ancient civilizations built both small and massive structures that served many purposes. Some people built temples or burial sites, while most felt the need for housing. Structures for entertainment or for the quest of knowledge were soon added to the list, and offered a unique twist to the typical dwelling. Materials used in the construction of these temples, palaces, homes and businesses have ranged from coarse stone to marble, and from ice to sticks.  Industrialization introduced metal and steel beams, and the use of glass and concrete became popular.

How many different or unique structures can you list? Consider ancient civilizations and compare their structures with present day ones. Examine the structures of other living organisms and creatures. What do their homes look like and what factors influenced their choice of building materials?

Look at each of the structures that you or your classmates have identified, and imagine each as a very basic shape. Eliminate the square and rectangular types of buildings and focus only on those created from a triangle. Did you know that circular structures may be made from many, smaller triangles.  A geodesic dome is actually comprised of triangles positioned in a specific pattern.

CHALLENGE:

EXPLORATORY
Research and model at least three (3) structures that have been constructed from triangles. Write a brief paragraph that describes their construction and why a particular culture may have selected that shape.

INTERMEDIATE
Research, design and model a icosahedron that incorporates a lesson from another discipline. Create a game using the structure as a die or template.  Use information from the other discipline to develop a set of questions (i.e. Quiz Bowl, etc.).
 
ADVANCED
Design and make an icosahedral structure or geodesic dome that may be used as a mini-planetarium.  The structure should be large enough to accommodate six to eight students comfortably as well as the Star Machine.

MATERIALS:

EXPLORATORY

• Bristol board
• Kite string
• Heavy weight paper, various colors
• Rulers
• Sand paper, other textured paper
• Scissors
• Pencils, markers, colored pencils
• Glue

INTERMEDIATE

• Bristol board
• Kite string
• Heavy weight paper, various colors
• Rulers
• Pencils and markers
• Colored Pencils
• Scissors
• Materials from other disciplines related to questions, answers, terms
• Glue

ADVANCED

• Butcher paper
• Duct tape, 6 Rolls
• Meter sticks
• Kite string
• 3 Rolls of 10? x 25? 3-mm black polyethylene
• Pencils and markers
• Scissors
• Star Machine
• Box Fan

CRITERIA:

Your success on this Challenge will be based on your completion of the activities below. Three general criteria for your performance will be: your participation in the activity; the accuracy of your measurement and model construction; and the performance of your design.  Your teacher will help you understand how your performance will be graded.

EXPLORATORY

• Locate and document at least three (3) examples of structures that have been constructed from triangles.
• Write a brief paragraph that summarizes the construction techniques and why the particular culture/society may have chosen the design.
• Construct a model of the structure showing the triangles used in design.
• Present your design.

INTERMEDIATE

• Research geometric shapes that are based upon an equilateral triangle
• Research icosahedrons and the construction of this shape.
• Gather review materials from other classes or disciplines. Compose questions/answers on a separate sheet of paper
• Model an icosahedron with a height of 8 inches.
• Design a game that would utilize review materials and the icosahedral shape.
• Construct your design using the materials provided and approved.
• Test and present your design.

ADVANCED

• Research geometric shapes that are based upon an equilateral triangle.
• Research icosahedrons and geodesic domes and the construction of these shapes.
• Gather information about planetariums as well as astronomy facts.
• Design and create a fictitious, scientific company that is manufacturing a portable mini-planetarium that will travel from school to school.
• Create a brochure that will promote the new design.
• Calculate the size of the structure that will accommodate six to eight students comfortably; remember that the Star Machine must also be included in the structure.
• Construct your design using only the materials provided and approved.
• Test and present your design.