Tech Directions - September 2007 - (Page 14)

distribute environmentally controlled air, geodesic domes can save up to 50 percent on energy costs when using traditional power sources. Domes can also interface very effectively and efficiently with alternative energy sources. and other environmental forces (e.g., wind, earthquakes). ● Spacious interiors—The design permits including spacious ceiling heights, open airy environments, optimum placement of walls, balconies, and open skylights. ● Exceptional light and sound characteristics—The spherical Completed dome thought that dymaxion dwellings and domes might become necessary for human survival. He saw domes as an effective solution to a housing crisis that he predicted as far back as 1927 (Fearnly, 2002). For more on the Dymazion House, visit www. hfmgv.org/dymaxion. Through his investigations into geometry and platonic solids, Fuller developed a subject known as synergetics, which can be described as the geometry of thinking. Fuller used his concept of synergy to investigate the behavior of systems and the unpredicted behavior of a system’s separate parts. He believed that an entire system could be investigated by examining its individual components. The concept of systems thinking is often attributed to Buckminster Fuller. Geodesic domes consist of a series of triangles that form a spherical structure. Builders and architects sometimes describe a geodesic dome as a geometric structure that can cover a maximum area with a minimum amount of materials. Because of this, the geodesic dome has one of the highest strength per weight ratings of any human-built structure. Fuller popularized dome technology and received several related patents in the 1950s. While Fuller receives credit for invention of the modern day geodesic dome, the dome’s origins go back to early planetariums and the Greeks. Sutton (2005) describes many of the advantages of geodesic dome design and construction: ● ● Environmental soundness—Using shape tends to amplify light and evenly distribute sound. The shape also tends to reduce outside sound infiltration by about 30 percent. the same amount of material, the dome’s round shape can encompass more space than traditional structures. This can lead to a 40 percent saving in materials. This, in turn, leads to a savings of natural resources, energy, and labor. Thus, construction of a geodesic dome involves a minimal disturbance of the environment. ● The Challenge Students will work cooperatively to analyze and determine the requirements for an identified two-frequency dome. They will then design and build necessary jigs and fixtures to fabricate the dome’s structural elements and assemble these elements (i.e., hubs and struts) into a 16'-dia., 8'-high geodesic dome. Structure orientation—Be- cause of its shape, a dome can be easily positioned on property in a way that optimizes a view or orientation to the sun. ● Exceptional strength—Due to the dome’s shape and an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, it can withstand severe climate conditions Objectives On completion of this project, students will be able to: 1. Analyze and determine the necessary requirements for constructing an identified geodesic dome. 2. Work cooperatively to perform all required processes and activities. Activity Sheets Activity Sheet 1 1. Describe a geodesic dome and in particular what distinguishes it from other structures. 2. Identify and describe three advantages and three disadvantages of a geodesic dome. 3. Use John Prenis's phrase “Where domes come from” to conduct an Internet search. 4. What math and science principles are used in the design and fabrication of a geodesic dome? 5. What would you have to do to design and build a 20'-diameter, three-frequency dome that was 10' high at the center? Activity Sheet 2 Based on analysis of the design brief for the 16' 2V (two frequency) dome that you will build, write out a bill of materials and step-by-step fabrication procedure for Hub A. Activity Sheet 3 Complete a bill of materials and step-by-step procedure for Hub B. Activity Sheet 4 Complete a bill of materials and step-by-step procedure for Hub C. Activity Sheet 5 Complete a bill of materials and step-by-step procedure for Hub D. Activity Sheet 6 Complete a bill of materials and step-by-step procedure for Strut A. Activity Sheet 7 Complete a bill of materials and step-by-step procedure for Strut B. Activity Sheet 8 Complete a bill of materials and step-by-step procedure for the entire dome. Energy efficiency—Because of their shape and ability to evenly 14 techdirections ◆ SEPTEMBER 2007 http://www.hfmgv.org/dymaxion http://www.hfmgv.org/dymaxion

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - September 2007

Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers Dome, Sweet Dome—Geodesic Structures Teach Math, Science, and Technology Principles Help Students Become Wise Energy Consumers How Does FERPA Affect You? Camera Operator and Videographer e-gallery Product Central Free for the Asking More than Fun

Tech Directions - September 2007

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