After spending about 10 days in Alaska, it was time for me to head back to Ohio.  However, Winter Storm Saturn decided  to hit the lower 48 and cancel all my flights.  The “Alberta Clipper” moved quickly across the Midwest, blanketing it in snow.  Parts of the Midwest accumulated nearly 15 inches of snow.  More than 1,000 flights were cancelled on the first day.  Winter Storm Saturn dumped over 20 inches of snow on Virginia.  As the storm continued to progress, newscasters began discussing the effect of the snow load on buildings in the lower 48.  On March 6th, the roof of the Baby Ballroom at Café La Cave in Des Plaines, Illinois collapsed due to the weight of the snow.

This made me think of my Dome in Nome Lesson Plan that I use in my classroom.   In this lesson students are given the task of calculating snow loads, evaluating architectural designs and planning a new building that can withstand a higher amount of snow load.   Students will compose a research paper, participate in a structure-building competition, present and display their geo domes and complete the activity by creating a class geo dome.  This lessons incorporates applied geometry, physical science, algebra and technology.  Each student begins by researching geo domes and snow loads.  Geo Domes Facts, Resources for Snow Load and Snow Load Information are provided as resources for students.

The students in my classroom love to participate in the structure-building competition. This year my students used marshmallows, toothpicks and straws for the competition.  However, there are alternative materials that can be used for the structure-building competition.  Geo Domes Alternative Ideas

The class geo dome is created out of bamboo and duct tape.  Each group is given one roll of duct tape and enough bamboo to make 10 triangles.  The geo dome on the right was created using the smallest bamboo and was able to hold over 140 pounds!  After creating the geo dome, students use weights to see how much weight the geo dome can withstand.  Our goal for the large geo domes is to be able to hold the entire groups weight!  The students are amazed at the strength of the geo dome and the amount of weight it can withstand.  Students discuss how roof design and the architectural design of the building determines the amount of snow load a building can withstand.  Try this hands-on lesson that is fun and incorporates Math, Science and Technology!