How to Make a Tensegrity Toy

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 integrity. “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.

Things You'll Need

• 3/8" dowel
• Rubber bands
• Elastic cord
• Hack saw

Instructions

1. Cut your dowel rod in 4-inch lengths. At each end of each 4-inch segment, cut a narrow slot approximately ¼-inch deep. Be certain your slots are parallel to each other. Thread a rubber band through the slots at each end of each 4-inch segment.

2. Join your segments to make integrated structures. Begin with two dowel/elastic units. Line up two pieces on a flat surface, parallel to each other. Lay a third piece across the center of both pieces, perpendicular to them. Insert the rubber bands from the two parallel pieces in the slots on the ends of the perpendicular piece.

3. Turn the unit you just built over so it is resting on the perpendicular piece. Line up another piece on top of the original two parallel pieces, directly over the perpendicular piece on the bottom. Connect the rubber bands from the original two parallels to the slots on each end of the second perpendicular.Leave the piece laying on one perpendicular piece.

4. Place a 4-inch segment vertically between the two original parallel pieces at one end. Pull the rubber band from the perpendicular pieces (the one on top and the one on bottom) into the slots at each end of this vertical segment. Put the band from the vertical segment into the slots at the end of each original parallel piece. (Once you begin building, you’ll find it’s not as complicated as it sounds.) Repeat with a vertical piece at the opposite end of the original parallels.

5. This is a simple tensegrity made with six segments. Add more segments to make a more complex structure. Each segment must be attached at each end to something.