The fourth grade gifted support group is integrating a water unit with architecture and engineering. Collectively, the group expressed an interest in creating buildings and structures. As a group, we decided on creating underwater, geodesic domes.
After discussing why geodesic domes are so structurally sound, we put technology to work for us. We started with creating simplified 3D figures in Microsoft Word. This provided a general framework for our structures and our discussions. Through the use of Google SketchUp (click here to download a free copy) students were able to create realistic, in depth, professional 3D sketches of their geodesic domes (see pictures below). Students culminated this unit by creating their own geodesic domes with toothpicks and gumdrops.
We tested the structural integrity of each of these student-made domes to determine the stress they would be able to endure under the theoretical water pressure of our underwater laboratories.
As an added exercise, we created life size newspaper geodesic domes. Be sure to see the pictures shown below and link to each of the groups’ hard work.
Links:
Newspaper dome:
Easy to make paper cut-out dome:
Simple newspaper dome:
PBS - Features Domes
PBS -- Gum Drop Domes
Enjoy the student pictures below. Clicking on the images will enlarge them and start the slideshow.
Be sure to see our newspaper dome creations by clicking on the following links:
The fourth grade gifted support group has been reading the book Fever 1793. It is a historical fiction novel based on the real events of the yellow fever epidemic that ripped through the City of Philadelphia in 1793.
As a culminating event, Gladwyne fourth graders teamed up with fourth grade gifted support students from Cynwyd and Merion Elementary Schools to take a walking tour of modern day Philadelphia to see a number of the historical locations. Students visited the John Todd House, Dock Creek, Christ Church, site of St. Thomas Church (founded by Absalom Jones), Washington Square, Walnut Street Jail (present day Penn Mutual Building) and Pennsylvania Hospital.
We had a beautiful, warm and sunny day for our walking tour. It was interesting, informative and invigorating.
Please click on the link below to link to the walking tour pictures.
