The word ‘tripod’ means three (tri) legs (pod). A tripod is a very strong shape even though it is only joined at one point right at the top. Can you think of some things that are built using a tripod shape? What about a tripod to hold a camera or perhaps a three legged stool?
In the garden, a tripod can be made out of three bamboo or wooden stakes that are all the same length.
- Start by drawing an equilateral triangle (a triangle where all sides are the same length) in the soil using a stick.
- Push one stake firmly into the ground at each corner of the triangle.
- Pull the top of each stake together and tie them tightly by wrapping garden twine around and tying a knot.
Plant the seedlings of beans or peas at the base of each stake and watch them wind their way up as they grow. Give them a helping hand by encouraging their stems to wrap around or by using an old piece of stocking to attach them to the stake.
SMARTY QUESTION:
What shape starts with ‘tri’ and how many sides and corners does it have? Ask mum or dad to help you make that shape out of sticks of equal length and then try pushing it out of shape. Can you see how it strong this shape is?