Engineering week is quickly approaching, providing an excellent opportunity to introduce students to the exciting world of engineering, how it has shaped our world, and give them insight into a possible career choice. To connect your program to engineering, you can simply provide some building blocks and Connex sets and call it a day. Even with minimal effort, you will be amazed by the creativity of your students.

This year, I want to be a little more focused and give my students an actual challenge. One of my favorite engineering materials to use with my middle schoolers is Strawbees. All it consists of are a lot of straws and connectors, and with a little bit of ingenuity and creativity, you can build anything.

Challenge OptionsStudents constructing domes

I am going to challenge my students to build a Geodesic Dome that can hold the weight of a book. If you really want to push your students, provide them with a few links about geodesic dome construction and let them figure it out. Since I haven’t gotten Strawbees out this year yet, I am going to give them a little more guidance by providing the following instructions:

Materials Needed:

  • Strawbees connectors
  • Straws (preferably of the same length)
  • Scissors (if you need to cut straws to size)
  • Tape (optional, for extra stability)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Your Materials:
    • Gather all your Strawbees connectors and straws. Ensure you have enough to complete the dome. For a basic geodesic dome, you will need around 35 straws and 30 connectors.
  2. Build the Base:
    • Create a pentagon shape using 5 straws and 5 connectors. Connect the ends of the straws with the connectors to form a closed loop.
  3. Add the First Layer:
    • Attach a straw to each connector of the pentagon base, pointing upwards.
    • Connect the tops of these straws with additional straws to form triangles. You should now have a ring of triangles around the pentagon base.
  4. Build the Second Layer:
    • From each connector at the top of the triangles, attach another straw pointing upwards.
    • Connect these new straws with additional straws to form another ring of triangles. This layer will be smaller than the first.
  5. Form the Dome:
    • Continue adding straws and connectors in the same manner, reducing the size of each layer until you reach the top.
    • The final layer should form a small pentagon or triangle at the top of the dome.
  6. Reinforce the Structure:
    • Check all connections to ensure they are secure. You can use tape to reinforce any loose connections if needed.
  7. Test the Dome:
    • Gently press down on the top of the dome to test its strength. It should be able to support a small amount of weight, such as a small book.

Student with strawbees

Tips:

  • Make sure all straws are of equal length for a symmetrical dome.
  • Work slowly and carefully to ensure all connections are secure.
  • If the dome is unstable, check for any loose connections and reinforce them with tape.

Conclusion

Engineering Week is a fantastic opportunity to engage students in hands-on learning and inspire them to explore the field of engineering. By providing structured challenges like building a geodesic dome with Strawbees, students can develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. This activity not only makes learning fun but also gives students a glimpse into the world of engineering and its endless possibilities. Encourage your students to experiment, ask questions, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating and learning. Happy Engineering Week!