Geometry: New Tools for New Technologies: Hour 2: Unit 1: Structures: Will It Fall Down?

How is geometry used to program a robot's movement? How do zoo planners use geometry to make habitats that are enjoyable and safe? Why do people who plan garbage pickups and snowplow routes need geometry? Geometry: New Tools for New Technologies I and II explore the exciting world of Geometry in the 20th century.

The six shows in this video series demonstrate contemporary geometry in action. In the videos, your students learn about applications to architecture, archaeology, DNA research, packaging design, fire station location, scheduling events, and others. The accompanying print materials give your students the opportunity to take part in the mathematical modeling of these situations. The videos range in length from about 8 minutes to about 11.5 minutes. The print materials for each video include a video viewing guide, a set of discussion questions, and one or two sets of exercises.

Unit 1: Structures: Will It Fall Down? (9:31)

Summary of the Video

A short segment showing a variety of buildings opens the video and is accompanied by a narrative that underscores the importance of designing strong structures. Architect Scott Loiselle discusses grid systems and how they are made rigid by bracing individual cells of the grid. Following Scott's presentation, the question of determining the minimum number of braces needed to make a grid system rigid is raised. The video closes with a discussion of the triangular grid systems (trusses) used in the construction of many roofs. Truss designer Jamie Brogdan describes the design of trusses.

Following the video, students investigate the problem of determining the minimum number of braces needed to make a grid system rigid. They first solve the problem for a small grid, then extend their answer to larger grids by applying inductive reasoning. When students can determine the minimum number of braces needed, they examine a way to determine proper locations for the braces. The problem of locating the braces is solved by drawing a graph to represent the grid system.

Video support materials are available as part of COMAP full membership. Each video is accompanied by a user's guide with reproducible student exercises and quizzes.