Build it: A geodesic dome with candy corn

Here's a fun project using candy corns and mini marshmallows! You can use them to help you make a geodesic dome, which is a spherical (three-dimensional round) structure made from connected triangles.

Geodesic domes can withstand heavy loads for their size. The Desert Dome at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, is an example of a geodesic dome. You may have even climbed on a geodesic dome structure at a playground!

To see an example, ask permission to go online and watch this video about the Henry Doorly Zoo Geodesic Dome in Omaha at youtu.be/UlsKelv_--kor or look up photos of the dome.

Now let's make your own.

Here's what you will need:

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Toothpicks

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Miniature marshmallows, candy corn or another candy

1. Arrange five toothpicks into a circle. Connect the ends of the toothpicks by poking them into a piece of candy corn or a marshmallow.

2. Add two more toothpicks to each candy or marshmallow to make triangles pointed upward.

3. Continue to add toothpicks to make your triangles into a dome.

When you've finished your geodesic dome, reflect on your work.

Does your structure seem strong for being made out of just toothpicks, candy corns, and marshmallows?

How many triangles are in your geodesic dome? Can you try different shapes with your toothpicks and marshmallows and make other structures?

Have you seen any geodesic dome structures in person?

Lesson authored by Lexy Davies on behalf of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Iowa 4-H Youth Development. To get your child involved in fun learning opportunities, check out Clover Kids (grades K-3), 4-H (grades 4-12), Lego Teams, and hands-on educational kits for checkout at extension.iastate.edu/linn/4h.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Linn County helps build a strong Iowa by engaging Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges. The 4-H Youth Development program empowers youth to reach their full potential through youth-adult partnerships and research-based experiences. Linn County Extension Office website: www.extension.iastate.edu/linn