Description
This project lets students learn about the physics and math behind tensegrity structures as they research and create one with their team. After introducing the lesson with a short video (link included in resources), students work with their team to create a basic tensegrity structure following a short tutorial. Then, utilizing the knowledge gained from this, they build a second tensegrity structure of their choice, utilizing the principles and design ideas of tensegrity. As they work through both builds, they record their information on the included Engineering Design Process Planning Sheet with their team. Next, students present their project to the class and explain their design choices. Finally, students reflect on and summarize their learning with short answers to questions about the experience and what they learned.
This lesson was created for 7th and 8th grade, but could also be used successfully in upper elementary grades or high school as well.
Files included (non-editable, .pdf files):
• Teacher & Student Resources
• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric
• Team Sign Up Sheet
• Engineering Design Process Planning Sheet
• Reflection Questions
Total Pages: 9
Teaching Duration: 3 days
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