Creating buildings that reach hundreds of feet into the sky is no easy task. The third instructional activity in this series begins with four activities that engage young architects in exploring the major challenges that are faced when...

Build an interest and appreciation for architecture in your young learners with this fun 10-lesson art unit. Engaging children in using their five senses, the class first observes the environment around them, paying...

Students explore Green Construction. In this lesson based on the experiences of Peace Corps volunteers, students gain insight into alternative construction in Guatemala. They examine the pros and cons of using alternative building...

Students explore how the Romans engineered and built aqueducts. They read a manual, explore the Construct a Roman Aqueduct online activity, and construct an aqueduct that will transport two liters of water across a short distance in the...

Students explore kite making.  In this cross curriculum fine arts and ancient Chinese history lesson, students activate prior knowledge about how kites were used in ancient Chinese culture.  Students sketch an original kite...

Students collect data about energy usage and use mathematical calculations to analyze their data. In this energy conservation and statistics math activity, students survey their homes to complete an energy usage worksheet. Students...

First graders explore different types of Native American shelters. In this Native American homes lesson plan, 1st graders compare the shapes of shelters used by Native Americans. They build a home using the program "Community...

Students examine the built environment and infrastructures of their community by constructing contour equipment, using the equipment, and comparing their results to current topographical maps of the same area

Historians have proven that as early as 1497 skilled navigators were using a kamal to sail across oceans. Scholars learn about navigation tools and astronomy before building their own kamals. They then learn how to use it to determine...

Middle schoolers define the purpose of several different types of boats. They develop a list of materials one would ideally use in the construction of a particular type of boat. Students work cooperatively in a group to decide what type...

Students examine the concepts of green building used in constructing or renovating a building. They conduct an interview with someone who sells green materials, or designs or implements green building plans. They work in teams to...

Invite your learners to take a closer look at the art and mathematical function of dome buildings as designed by the ancient Romans. In the next segment of this attractive instructional activity set, your young historians will then learn...

Evidence shows the Vikings likely navigated by using a simple sundial to find their course. Videos, a short story, and discussion help bring this time period to life as they study European history with a hands-on experiment. Scholars...

Young scholars explore New York City's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. They estimate budget allocations for such a proposal while practicing the calculation of percentages.

Students work together with a partnet to design a building. Using materials, they create the inside and outside of the structure along with works of art. They present their creation to the class and receive constructive criticism in return.

Students determine how much it would cost to build a pyramid using modern materials and ancient methods. They design scale drawings, models and submit final cost bids in an attempt to get the job of building a pyramid.

First graders plan a trip for Christopher Columbus. They use their math skills to construct a ship for Columbus' voyage. They show their ship and calculations to their classmates and build graphs to show the amount of supplies needed to...

Learners explore the architecture of New England by identifying geometric shapes.  In this architectural instructional activity, students examine photographs of classic building architecture and use a transparency to trace geometric...

Students compare and contrast castles and forts. They observe buildings in their community and consider how castles and forts are similar. They design their own castle or fort and brainstorm materials to build with, discuss how the...

Students construct a cross section diagram showing elevation changes on a "cookie island." Using a chocolate chip cookie for an island, they locate the highest point in centimeters on the cookie and create a scale in feet. After tracing...

Learners design and construct a model town. In this community activity, students will collaboratively build a small town from construction paper and toys.

Young scholars read an article about tiny homes and use the article as a springboard for discussion. In this current events lesson, students evaluate the merits of tiny homes, then create a chart comparing their needs with the things...

Eighth graders prepare for a field trip to Washington, DC by researching landmark, monument, or building in Washington. They use the information in small groups to design a multimedia presentation. They include a spreadsheet that shows...

Students examine geometric shapes. In this geometric shape lesson plan, students examine how geometric shapes flip, turn, and slide to create a pattern. Students analyze the role that quilts played in helping slaves escape to freedom. ...