how to play

Divide the children into groups of 3–4. Begin with a story, such as architects building a safe shelter for explorers or creatures in a magical land, to spark imagination. Provide each group with rolled newspaper sticks and tape. Explain that their challenge is to construct a large dome-shaped structure that is strong and stable. Encourage them to experiment with different arrangements, connecting sticks at angles that create strength and balance. If children struggle, give hints such as: How can triangles or repeated patterns make the dome stronger? How wide should the base be to support the height? Allow them enough time to plan, build, adjust, and test their dome, fostering teamwork, creativity, geometry skills, and understanding of structural strength through hands-on play.

Questions to be asked

1. Why does rolling the newspaper into a tube make it stronger?
2. What shapes will you use to create the dome?
3. How will you ensure the stability of the dome so that it will stand on its own without support?