Structure Class

In this class a large model city is created by learning about and building different types of structures. The class needs a large room with a table where the city can be created. There are a lot of material needed, and a sink could be used for cleaning paint equipment. This is a ten-hour course.

Our current class is being held as part of the homeschool program at Boundless Learning Center. Everyone in the center is taking the class so no additional enrollment is necessary. Look for pictures as the course progresses.

Learning about Structure Strength

In the opening class, students discover how to make a structure strong. Using six index cards, six sheets of 8 1/2 X 1 inch paper, six inches of string and six inches of duct tape, they will make a box shaped structure that will hold the most weight. Many terms such as dead load and live load are introduced. After the contest, students will be introduced to the four major types of force.

I- Beam Building

Students make I-Beams out of index cards and use them to make an obelisk similar to the Washington Monument. Many students can create I-Beams rather quickly. Just take two index cards, fold them and staple them together. Build floors by lining up the I-Beams in a square. Then put a layer of file folders across each floor for stability. Keep stacking the floors until the right height is obtained.

A large skyscraper may take over 1000 index cards so plan accordingly. To make it realistic, older students should make a scale and then have an accurate height using the scale that was created.

Building Bridges

We use the K-Nex Building Bridges Set to learn about different types of bridges. With three basic sets, it is possible to build three bridges. The best option is to have the students pick the bridges they want to build that fits their floor plan. I highly recommend the K-Nex Educational Division. This company has high quality products with strong goals and objectives.

Truss Bridge – A simple plan designed for several inexperienced students.
Arch Bridges – A intermediate plan for three students.
Suspension Bridge – A complex plan for four students.
Draw Bridge – A complex plan for several advanced students.

K-Nex Educational Programs

The Geodesic Dome

We will be building a 2V dome called a Hex-a-Pent dome. It is made from six hexgonal panels called isoscocaps. It is a very strong structure made from PVC pipe, wire, tape and construction paper. The size of the pipe controls how big the structure is.

Arches

Arches are a difficult structure to build. The one we build have 17 blocks, made at certain angles and put together by a keystone block. The block models completed and traced on cardboard and then put together to make an original copy.

Finishing the City

All the buildings created can be put on several large table to make a model future city. Landscaping, roads, and rivers can be created. Bridges can be used to span the tables. Some models try to simulate real structures such as the St. Louis Arch and the Washington Monument. A scale of miles can be created. There are also options to make a Power Point Presentation of the project with creative writing to describe the future city. At the end, parents and other students can be invited to see the creation.