Special Focus on Geometric Construction

As part of a special study on construction systems with some of his sixth and seventh-grade students, Middle School Technology teacher Jeffrey Goodman researched a variety of architectural structures. The focus was on different geometric shapes and how these shapes react to different external and internal forces.

“We learned about famous landmarks around the world.” Mr. Goodman said, “and compared them to new, modern structures.” With the help of hands-on examples, the students learned how the different forces affected each kind of construction. “We then built two objects, a geodesic dome and a suspension bridge.”

Thoroughly immersing themselves into the project, Mr. Goodman’s students enjoyed their first-hand experiences of the applied physics.