Skyscraper Museum
Changes in a City Over Time
Investigate the growth and development of New York City with the final lesson in this four-part series on skyscrapers. Learners first explore the concept of urban growth by looking closely at a series of three paintings made of Wall...
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Where the Wild Things Are
Students explore the role of gargoyles in New York City architecture as a starting point to considering architectural structures in their city. They create designs that illustrate ways in which those local structures may be enhanced by...
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Reaching for the Sky
Students consider features of skyscraper using descriptive words, reflect on notion of skyscraper as orientation point in a city, and explore New York Times Building in Manhattan by reading and discussing article, "Pride and Nostalgia...
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Connections Between Texts-Maya Lin and Jane Jacobs
Students discuss New York City architectural developments. In this architectural history lesson, students create Reader's Theater scripts based on imaginary conversations between two women who contributed to New York City's...
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Building Budgets
Pupils 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.
NYC Department of Records
Citizenship and Elections: The Importance of a Ballot
Approximately 58 prcent of those eligible voted in the 2016 US Presidential election. In an attempt to impress upon learners the importance of voting and voting rights, class members examine primary source documents related to the...
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Green Transportation System
Consider the effects of green transportation. In this environmental stewardship instructional activity, determine how transportation has changed throughout history and then collaborate to solve New York City transportation issues.
Skyscraper Museum
Designing a Skyscraper
Besides serving as awe-inspiring monuments of human achievement, skyscrapers are built to perform a wide range of functions in urban communities. The second lesson plan in this series begins by exploring the history of the Empire State...
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Bridging History and Technology
Learners study the history and importance of the Triborough Bridge in New York City, and then research different bridges and prepare presentations about them. They, in groups, research a bridge and prepare a poster about it.
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Distinguish Communities by Their Architecture
Students distinguish between a rural community and a city community by observing the architecture in each one. They observe and discuss pictures of buildings. Students write a paragraph explaining the purpose of a particular building....
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Traveling Southern Style: A Lesson on the Jim Crow Laws
Third graders create a poster of a travel route. In this discrimination lesson, 3rd graders read The Gold Cadillac and use it to discuss the problems African Americans faced while traveling south in the 1950's. Students compare three...
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Built to Last
Students explore architectural elements of ancient buildings. In groups, they research famous structures. Students write an opinion paper examining the debate over whether or not ancient monuments should be maintained or rebuilt after a...
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Sacred Space
Students consider the two finalists in the contest for architectural designs for the site of the World Trade Center. They create their own designs for a meaningful public space, then critique each other's designs.
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Built To Last
Students face the challenges of building big, functional structures, like bridges, domes and skyscrapers. They turn their talents to satisfying clients who have hired them to design their new home.
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The World's Tallest Building
Young scholars investigate the world's tallest buildings. In this architecture lesson, students discover how humans change the physical environment. Young scholars read about and view pictures of famous buildings in the world. Students...
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Rise of the Modern City
Students investigate the industrial developments of the twentieth century and the development of urban environments. In this industrial art lesson, students compare and contrast graphics and analyze industrial developments on...
Skyscraper Museum
Building a Skyscraper
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...
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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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Public Land
Learners examine the needs of their community for public space and determine the solutions to math problems related to planning landscape designs. They read and discuss an article from the New York Times, create their own designs for a...
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Higher and Higher: Amazing Skyscrapers
Middle schoolers brainstorm the names of skyscrapers then get into groups and create their own skyscraper. In this architecture lesson students answer questions about their skyscraper after creating one.
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Visual Art: Romare Bearden
Learners examine the art of Romare Bearden, focusing on a stained-glass window designed for a New York City elevated railway station. they visit the site and discuss the art after viewing it from various perspectives. Based on their...
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Spiraling Through the Guggenheim: Exploring 20th Century Masterpieces
Students experience original works of art through an online tour of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. They assess the value and unique architecture of the building as well as develop an awareness of its design and relationship to...
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Modern Makeovers
Learners consider what "modern" means and explore memories and opinions about the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. They design or renovate a local building for the 21st century.
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Landmarks Of Civilization
Students research famous landmarks of the world. In this landmarks lesson, students determine why cultures build special structures and then find out more about specific world landmarks. Students respond to the provided discussion...