The iterative process of creating the pentagons demonstrates how developing a good system for making things can speed up the project. Students are able to create a product that will increase confidence in themselves, have a hands-on approach on a project, and help them understand the second practice of systems thinking. The practices that can be seen in this project is Making and Doing and Systems Thinking. This allows students to make the project their own and begin thinking about aesthetics and functionality. Students are free to design the dome in any way they like, including colors, types of straws, and the size of their dome. This is one of the better standards that apply to this project, as the student will understand iterative systems a little bit better. The core disciplinary standard that I am addressing in this project is Design in Technology and Engineering Education. This project is a scaled down version to help elementary to middle school children understand the basics of construction, architecture, and even iterative systems. They are a simple version of the architectural designs that can serve many purposes such as greenhouses, houses, and even entire arenas! One of the most notable examples is in jungle gyms in playgrounds. Geodesic domes are around more in our lives than we think.
