Building an igloo is a fascinating and engaging activity that seamlessly integrates
various elements of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). This hands-on project offers practical applications of scientific principles, such as understanding the insulation properties of snow and ice. Most importantly, building an igloo is a delightful activity that combines creativity, construction, and enjoyment. It's a perfect way to engage in family fun while learning through play.
This project encourages the use of technology through design and planning tools, while engineering concepts are explored through the construction of a stable, domed structure. Artistic creativity comes into play when designing and decorating the igloo, making the process visually appealing. Mathematical skills are employed in measuring, calculating, and planning the dimensions and angles necessary for a successful build. By combining these STEAM components, building an igloo transforms a winter pastime into an educational adventure, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Helpful Hints: Whether using snow or ice to build your igloo, here are some ideas to consider as you prepare… Are you planning to use snow or ice to build your igloo?
Snow tips: use snow that's slightly wet and sticky. Dry, powdery snow won't hold together well. Use molds to make snow blocks. Try using containers like large rectangular plastic storage bins (Tupperware or even discarded ice cream containers). Pack the snow tightly using shovels and scoops. Smooth the blocks to make a flat surface. Make enough blocks to build the igloo (be sure to see below to calculate). Store the blocks out of the sun.
Ice tips: Fill containers with water (Tupperware works well). Add a few drops of
food coloring to add artistry and make colored ice blocks. Freeze these ice blocks well, which might take several hours or overnight. Make enough blocks to build the igloo.
Building Tips: Use containers of the same size to make the blocks a uniform size. This will help with the stability and construction of your igloo. Once you have enough ice blocks, start by arranging them in a circle on a flat, snowy surface. Gradually build up the walls, angling the blocks slightly inward as you go higher to create the dome.
Building Tip-2: Planning the circumference of an igloo is crucial because it determines the overall size and shape of the structure. Knowing the circumference helps ensure the igloo is built in a perfect circle, which distributes weight evenly and provides stability.
Let’s Get Started! Building an igloo is a fantastic hands-on project that integrates various STEAM concepts. Here are some STEAM ideas:
Science: Explore the properties of snow and ice. Learn how snow can serve as an insulator, keeping the inside of the igloo surprisingly warm. Experiment with different types of snow (powdery vs. packed) to see which works best for building. Think about the structure (snow is really ice crystals), density and reflectivity properties.
Technology: Start your igloo with some free design software. Use tools like SketchUp Free, Autodesk TinkerToys, or Tinkercad to design a digital model of the igloo before building. This helps visualize the structure and will help plan the construction process.
Engineering: Think about and discuss structural stability. Discover the engineering principles that make an igloo stable. For instance, the domed shape evenly distributes weight, preventing collapse. Build small-scale models using sugar cubes or clay to understand the geometry and construction techniques.
Art: Decorate your igloo. Use food coloring to dye some of the ice blocks or carve designs into the snow. This allows creativity to flourish and makes the project visually appealing.
Math: Use measurements and calculations. Measure the circumference and height of the igloo. Calculate the volume and surface area. Discuss angles and geometry while shaping the snow blocks.
Building an igloo is more than just a fun winter activity; it's an opportunity to utilize the fundamental principles of STEAM in a hands-on and memorable way and more importantly, it’s also incredibly fun and rewarding. This project not only fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also brings families and friends together to enjoy the beauty of the winter season. Embrace the cold and let the magic of STEAM transform a simple pile of snow into a marvel of creativity and learning.
Happy building!
PS…send in photos of your preparation, building and the completed igloo. We will post your photos on our website.
Katie Mayer, Grand Forks Children’s Museum Executive Director
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