Tensegrity Toy—somehow, the two words just don’t sound right together. “Tensegrity” has a science or engineering ring to it, and in fact, the term was coined by visionary inventor Buckminster Fuller to describe a structure that combines compression and tension to create structrural . “Toy,” on the other hand, is nothing but fun. A tensegrity toy really does represent both sides. It helps to understand a bit about tension and compression, yet you can entertain yourself with this ever-changing, movable structure that becomes different every time you play with it. The language of tensegrity may be challenging (polyhedron, tension, compression), but the activity is less so. Make a tensegrity toy and begin to understand what it’s all about for yourself. For this concept, the world owed a debt of gratitude to sculptor Kenneth Snelson and visionary Buckminster Fuller.
Instructions (Supplies will be taken care of by the teacher)
Measure out and cut several dowels at each length using your circular saw. Pick whatever length you want to use, but always keep the dowels at the same length by using your tape measureCut a small 1/4-inch deep slot at each end of your dowels using your circular saw. Make sure they run exactly down the center of the dowel end
Lay two of the dowels parallel with each other but separated by the length of one of your dowels. Lay a third dowel on top of these two dowels in the middle. Run a rubber band through the slot on one end of each of your parallel dowels. Run each rubber band through one slot on each end of the perpendicular dowel.
Begin connecting other dowels to your structure using your rubber . Add vertical and horizontal dowels to your base structure to branch out. Add dowels to the extra dowels you are adding to branch out even further.
Pull the rubber bands as tight as possible as you add dowels. The tension between the rubber bands and the dowels will hold the structure together as you add more pieces to the structure.
Balance the number of vertical dowels you add with the horizontal. Add one horizontal structure for each vertical. Always keep the rubber bands as tight as possible as you build.
Continue building until you have finished the sculpture you wanted to create. Make sure it has a strong base so that you can place it on a table without it falling apart.
Tensegrity Toy—somehow, the two words just don’t sound right together. “Tensegrity” has a science or engineering ring to it, and in fact, the term was coined by visionary inventor Buckminster Fuller to describe a structure that combines compression and tension to create structrural
Instructions (Supplies will be taken care of by the teacher)
Measure out and cut several dowels at each length using your circular saw. Pick whatever length you want to use, but always keep the dowels at the same length by using your tape measure
Cut a small 1/4-inch deep slot at each end of your dowels using your circular saw. Make sure they run exactly down the center of the dowel end