Geodesic Gumdrops: Candy and Toothpick Architecture


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This hands-on activity shows you how to build basic architectural shapes out of toothpicks and gumdrops. Learners explore how different shapes are more stable than others, and are introduced to ideas about "stretching and squashing"--that is, about tension and compression.

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes

Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes

Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student

Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11

Resource Types:
Activity, Model

Language:
English

Materials List (per student)


  • a bag of gumdrops (or mini marshmallows, partly cooked beans, or bits of rolled-up clay)
  • a box of round toothpicks

Subjects


  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Architectural Engineering

Informal Categories


  • Food and Cooking

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other


This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Murphy, Pat ; Klages, Ellen ; Shore, Linda

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Exploratorium, 1998