GEODOME PLAYHOUSE 


  

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 Text Box: · For kids in 5th through 8th grade. · Build math skills. · Show kids that math can be useful.

Take the lesson of building a simple paper geodome model one step further. After the model is completed make a cardboard model large enough to be used as a playhouse or reading center for Pre-K through 1st grade students.


I based my geodome playhouse on one of the Archimedean solid called a truncated octahedron. It is made by joining 8 hexagons and 6 squares. (Click Truncated Octahedron to see a picture of a geodome.)

 

BASIC STEPS

  1. When my students are doing this activity I first divide the class into cooperative groups. (Click team building for some of the team building activities I use to help my students work as a team.)
  2. Before constructing a playhouse have students construct a small paper model. (Click low tech for a low tech steps for making a small paper geodome model or click high tech for a high tech steps for making a small paper geodome model.) 
  3. Decorate small paper geodome. (Best decorated small paper geodome can be use as the model for decorating the big geodome playhouse.)
  4. Make and assemble panels for large geodome playhouse out of sheets of cardboard. (Click playhouse steps for geodome playhouse construction instructions.
  5. Decorate large geodome playhouse.
  6. Move geodome into pre-k or primary classroom to be used as a playhouse, reading room etc.

 


Needs List

Simple

High Tech

  • 14 sheets of 8.5” BY 11” plain white paper
  • 14 sheets of 2 feet by 2 feet cardboard sheets
  • Scissors
  • Compass and protractor
  • Stapler to connect flaps of small paper geodome panels
  • Bolts and nuts to connect the flaps of the large geodome playhouse panels
  • punch
  • screw driver
  • Simple calculator
  • Same as simple plus
  • Computer loaded with spreadsheet and computer assisted design software
  • Graphing calculator
  • Cordless electric hand drill with drill bit
  • Electric screw driver

For more information on geodomes point your browser to the key word geodome or contact me at

ED CLEMENT

HANSON PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

nashcar@msn.com