Geodesics Domes and Spheres Page

This page has links to information about geodesic domes, geodesic spheres, and related information. Note: I'm just learning about geodesics, so any information you can share is welcomed!

Information on Geodesics

Basic

• Wikipedia article

More

• Geodesic Domes by Tom Davis - excellent article - pdf file (released Jan. 12, 2010)
• How to Build from about.com - pretty basic - made out of card stock triangles.

Buildings and Structures (which are geodesic domes)

• Superior Dome (at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan) See the photos.
• Spaceship Earth - at Epcot in Disney World - photo - photo "with degree 5 vertex"
• Walkup Skydome (Arizona)
• Montreal Biosphère (Canada)
• Playgroung pictures

Buckminster Fuller Info

• Buckminster Fuller Institute - "The BFI is dedicated to accelerating the development and deployment of solutions which radically advance human well being and the health of our planet's ecosystems."

Built With Newspapers and Masking Tape

How to Build a Geodesic Dome Out of Newspaper Rolls

Use lengths of 71 cm and 63 cm for your newspaper rolls. Roll them real tight. Instructions. Two videos:

• Using masking tape - YouTube Playground Science - kids build a dome at a science museum, with newspaper and masking tape (Note: If you build one of these use lengths of 71 cm and 63 cm  (71 / 63 = 1.13 is the proper ratio).)
• Using a stapler - YouTube - 2 guys explain - with newspaper and stapler.
  
• AlWood Science Club Geodesic Dome - "Our Science Club Students made their first Geodesic Dome. It was an awesome team building experience." (Woodhull, Illinois)

More For Teachers - Lesson Plans and Activities

• Understanding 2V vs 3V vs 4V - Here's the idea: To make a 2V sphere out of an icosahedron subdivide each edge (into 2 edges) with a midpoint. Then connect the edges. .pdf file; notebook file; 2V outline Word file.
• My notes on making a geodesic 2V dome or a geodesic sphere. You can use newspaper rolls or coffee stirrers and pipe cleaners (chenille stems/"fuzzy sticks").
  • Make the 2V dome (.docx)
  • Make the sphere (.docx)
• YouTube with red and white paper - detailed explanation using paper triangles.

More Advanced Information on Geodesics

• 2v Dome calculation tool - For a 2v dome/sphere there are two lengths for the struts. (The ratio is about 1:1.13.) Use this tool to make your dome whatever size you want. More calculation tools.
• Geodetic DOMES (Geosphere)
• Geodesic Dome Notes
• Here's a dome made of PVC pipe. They designed it using SketchUp. Includes a video.
• My PowerPoint from IMACC 2012 - 3/30/2012

Other

• Geodesic Help Group
• Google 3D Warehouse
• Geometrydome.com - directions for building one out of tubes.
• Domeplans.com - looks pretty good, but may not have been updated since 2002.

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