Geometry+and+Strengths+of+Shapes

=Web Exploration: __Exploring Our World of Shapes__ =


 * Introduction:** Paintings by Vincent Van Gogh


 * Guiding Questions:**
 * 1) What two-dimensional geometric shapes are good for making strong structures?
 * 2) What three-dimensional geometric shapes are good for making strong structures?

[|Forces and Shapes] (Virtual manipulatives) [|Arches] (Video) [|Magnetic construction] (Text/Activity)
 * Begin Your Exploration from the following websites:**
 * Make sure you check out the tabs for Forces and Shapes.
 * To return to the WebQuest, click on the back arrow - upper left corner of your screen.
 * See the effect of elephants (load) on a structure.
 * To return to the WebQuest, click on the back arrow - upper left corner of your screen.
 * Make sure you look at the photographs. What shapes did the engineers use for these structures?
 * Go to the Subheading "Strengthening Squares." Use the supplies at your station to construct different shapes.
 * What did you discover about the shapes you constructed?
 * Skip the paper construction of shapes. Page down to "Three Dimensional Shapes."
 * To return to the WebQuest, click on the back arrow - upper left corner of your screen.

Extended Learning: (Explore as time or interest permits.)
 * [|Pantheon Dome]
 * [|Newspaper Chairs]
 * [|Gumdrop activity]
 * [|Application of shapes]


 * Engineering: Build a paper tower**
 * 15 minutes
 * Each team needs to construct a paper tower at least 21 cm in height.
 * Each team will receive 30 cm of tape and 5 index cards.
 * The tower must be free standing.
 * The tower that withstands the most weight, wins.

[|Wrap up]
 * Debriefing:** All four groups together