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Introduction to Architecture
Students complete independent studies about famous architects or buildings. In this architecture instructional activity, students discuss what they know about the subject with their teacher. Students then select European architects...
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Forms in Architecture
Students explore shapes and forms in architecture. This lesson plan also introduce students to the concepts of form and function in architecture. They take an architectural tour (on foot or with visuals) to identify forms and shapes.
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Greek Architecture
Young scholars explore the Parthenon. In this lesson on Greek Architecture, students view a video on classical architecture, then split into groups to research assigned architectural elements such as capitals, columns and floors. They...
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Lesson New Museum: Exploring the Building
Explore the possibilities of buildings, public spaces, and architectural design. Learners examine the work of SANAA architects Sejima & Nishizawa through background information, images, and guided class discussion. This instructional...
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Lesson: David Goldblatt: Structures and Normativity, looking at Photography
Art can be a vehicle for social change and cultural expression. Upper graders examine the art of photographer David Goldblatt, as it pertains to apartheid, South Africa, and the AIDS epidemic. Discussion questions and image links...
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Homes of the World: Ceramic Lesson
Kids consider the various dwellings humans inhabit all over the world. They choose a home from anywhere in the world. Then they research the type of materials, designs, and structures need to build that type of home. The project ends...
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Biomimicry, Nature: Architecture of the Future
Students explore the relationship between nature and architecture. In this cross curriculum history, culture, and architecture lesson, students observe and discuss structures visible in nature. Students view websites in which Native...
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Roman Architecture
Students examine Roman architecture. In this ancient Rome lesson, students discuss some attributes of Roman architecture prior to conducting research on the use of classical Roman architecture in modern buildings.
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A Kids Guide to...
Students look into their community's historical changes. In this community instructional activity, students see what draws people to their community and research important buildings or national historic sites. They look at local...
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Treasure Hunters
High schoolers design an on campus treasure hunt to find various architectural vocabulary words which they then create definitions for on the blog page on the Environmental Design website.
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Math: Designing a Playground
Sixth graders design and draw a model playground to scale. They configure the layout to include a sandbox, slide, baseball field and other equipment. Their design includes adaptations for students with disabilities. Their designs are...
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Gateway to the Arts
Students redesign a dead space in the school to create an interesting and stimulating visual environment. In this art design instructional activity, students look at how to redesign architectural space and research ways to enhance a...
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The Humanitarian Side of Architecture
Young scholars explore the role that architects play in rebuilding communities after natural disasters. They investigate the aftermath of the 1906 California earthquake and fires, and current day efforts to rebuild communities after...
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Gargoyles: Ceramics
Study the symbolism and significance of Gargoyles throughout the Gothic era, and then make one. Kids visit three different websites to learn about these goolish protectors, then hone their sculpting skills while making one. They make...
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Lesson: Urban China: Contemporary China
The urbanization and consumerism of modern China is the hot topic up for critical analysis. Kids view a series of photographs that specifically describe Chinese modernization, urbanization, consumerism, and waste. They discuss each...
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Less is More: Realizing Mathematics Through Agriculture
Students study the architectural designs of different popular sites. In this math lesson, students draw a grid diagram. They explain what geodesic algorithms are used for.
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The Great Spoon Challenge: Form and Function
Young scholars organize objects in terms of form and function. In this architecture lesson, students are introduced to the ideas of form and function by playing a game in which they organize spoons in different ways. Extension activities...
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Urban Rocks: Investigating Stone Used for Buildings and Monuments
Students observe the rocks and stones used to build and carve monuments during a field trip.
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Race the Track! Design Challenge
Students use the design process to investigate physical science. For this force and motion lesson, design a track to achieve a specified outcome. Students complete additional experiments with speed and distance. Students...
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Exploring Local Architecture
Students examine how to shade a picture of a building. In this sketching a local abbey, students compare an abbey to their Church to find the differences in the architecture. Students practice techniques of shading their...
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Creating a Place of Contemplation Based on Hindu Temple Architecture
Pupils study the architecture and decoration of Hindu temples, compare them with, and apply them to, a place of contemplation they will design for themselves.
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Exploring Local Architecture
Students study architecture through the mediums of sketching and painting. For this art and architecture lesson, students sketch an example of architecture and then paint over the sketch in detail.
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Exploring the Design Process
Students analyze the design process and architecture of Ludwig van der Rohe. In this architecture and art analysis lesson, students explore the design process through photographic documentation and architectural plans. Students use...
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Imaginary Spaces: Designing a Play Space
Students apply their enthusiasm for imaginary play to create their own imaginary play space. In this novice architectural design lesson, students arrange and glue pre-cut foam shapes to a cardboard base to set up their play space. In...