Canine House of Cards

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This simple construction activity teaches the importance of architectural structure. Learners build and test designs for a paper "doghouse" strong enough to hold the weight of a jumbo dog biscuit. Three commonly used architectural shapes highlighted in the activity are arches, squares and triangles. This activity can be used with lessons on geometric shape, architecture, and/or problem solving.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per student)

  • Index cards
  • Tape
  • Large dog biscuits

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Architectural Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
    • Technology
      • Construction
  • Mathematics
    • Geometry
      • Solid Geometry
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • WGBH

Source Collection

  • Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, 2008

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0714741
  • Public television viewers
  • greendog