Architectural Structures
Lesson Three
What is a structure?
What structures are common in architecture? What is compression? What role does gravity have on architecture? What is tension? VOCABULARY:Aqueduct
Arch Beam Column Compression Dome Gravity Structure Tension |
materials needed
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Lesson tasks
- Teacher will gather the students on the carpet to watch the Magic School Bus video: The Magic School Bus Under Construction episode
- After the video, the teacher will read the book Amazing Buildings by Kate Hayden. During reading discuss terms used and the process of construction.
- Have the students return to their seats and talk about the concept of structure.
- The teacher rests his/her elbow on the desktop with forearm up and hand out flat, palm up, to hold up a book. Ask why the book doesn't fall to the ground. Discuss the pull of gravity.
- Explain that the teacher’s forearm is an example of a column, and the book is a beam. What holds these things in place? Show how the weight of the book is transferred to the ground (desktop) through the column (forearm).
- Using models, wood blocks, or books, demonstrate a column and beam structure. Explain how the weight is transferred through the columns. Explain how the columns are in “compression.”
- Show pictures of Greek temples and ask students to identify the column and beam structures, and what elements of the buildings are in compression.
- Using a block and string, demonstrate “tension.” Tie a string on both ends of the beam (block of wood). Hold the end of each piece of string and suspend the block of wood down from the string on each end. Have students identify what is holding up the beam and how the weight is transferred. Explain the string is in “tension.”
- Show the students a picture of a suspension bridge and ask students to identify which parts are in tension.
- Put a book on an overturned bowl. Explain how it is an example of a “dome” structure. Show the students pictures of domed buildings and ask them to identify the dome elements.
- Display the cross-section of the dome. Identify the resulting configuration as an arch. Discuss how weight is transferred in this type of structure.
- Show a picture of a building with arched openings and have students identify the arches.
- Have the students stand up, and the teacher will walk them through the different body movements that represent architectural structures. Explain that this is a good way to remember what each structure looks like. (Mnemonic Device)
- Have the students gather on the carpet and explore St. Louis buildings through the website http://builtstlouis.net/
- Have the students point out different architectural structures that they see.
- Pass out the architecture search graphic organizer and have the students move about the room to complete it.
- Architecture search: Students are to ask their peers if the specific structure is in their home. When the student finds a peer, that student must sign their name on the line next to that structure.
- Students will return to their desk and the class will play a game to review the vocabulary learned today.
- Rock and Roll vocabulary: one-by-one have students come to the board and give the student a vocabulary word. The student must then roll a die to determine how to demonstrate their knowledge of that word. (see game handout for more info)
- Using the photographs of different structural types, have the students draw a picture of a building that has a column, a beam, a dome, and an arched opening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.8: Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1c: Ask for clarification and further explanation as needed about the topics and texts under discussion.
GLE: Science. Strand 5:
3. A. Grade 2. a: Observe and describe ways humans use Earth’s materials (e.g., soil, rocks) in a daily life
GLE: Science. Strand 2:
1. B. Grade 2. a: Describe Earth’s gravity as a force that pulls objects on or near the Earth toward the Earth without touching the object
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1c: Ask for clarification and further explanation as needed about the topics and texts under discussion.
GLE: Science. Strand 5:
3. A. Grade 2. a: Observe and describe ways humans use Earth’s materials (e.g., soil, rocks) in a daily life
GLE: Science. Strand 2:
1. B. Grade 2. a: Describe Earth’s gravity as a force that pulls objects on or near the Earth toward the Earth without touching the object