Described is a project in which architectural students designed and constructed a sensory environment for young multihandicapped children. It is explained that the architectural students were exposed to general curriculum information, teacher reactions, and experiences with the children. Benefits from this cross-disciplinary effort are seen to…

Recommends the study of architecture as an early introduction to the interdisciplinary study of history, geography, economics, sociology, and art. Maintains that this study can increase interest in local history and citizenship. Profiles pilot programs that have incorporated architecture into social studies instruction. (MJP)

This teaching resource provides instructional strategies and information for teaching students about architecture. Discussion questions encourage interdisciplinary considerations. Unit goals and objectives are given. The five units include: (1) "Cave"; (2) "Pyramids"; (3) "House of Ancient Greece"; (4) "Castles"; and (5) "Traditional House of…

An art teacher uses some inexpensive instructional materials to teach his students awareness of the "built environment" and what its influence is on the natural environment. At the same time, he explores spatial relationships with his elementary class. (RK)

In this instructional guide, architect Frank Lloyd Wright becomes the focus of interdisciplinary lessons intended for use with elementary level students. The text is organized in 2 sections. Section 1 provides an 8 chapter biography and study of Wright. The second section gives 21 lesson activities in foods, natural science, geometry, patterns,…

Prepared, tested, and improved by teachers--in partnership with architects, historians, city planners, and artists--this guide identifies the ways that built environment education can be introduced into every area of the curriculum. A field trip planning sheet is included to ensure proper planning. Several activities relating to the Liberty…

An art educator motivates his elementary students by developing their strong personal identification with each of 30 projects, introducing them to architecture. The author describes a few of these projects and how students benefit. (RK)

The American Institute of Architects, locally and nationally, is active in supporting environmental education efforts in the schools. Because of its "endangered" status, Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, was chosen by the Kansas City chapter as the second focus landmark in the their series. This interdisciplinary field guide serves…

Project offers grades 3-8 students hands-on design practice creating built environments to solve a society-based architectural problem. Students plan buildings, draw floor plans, and make scale models of the structures that are then used in related interdisciplinary activities. (Author)

The activities presented in this guide are designed for elementary age students, and intended to provide hands-on, integrated learning experiences. A learning station format is indicated for open ended activities which include a "Preliminary Activity: Free Exploration First!", an "Introductory Activity: Architect/Builder", and…

Presents "C.U.B.E.: Creating Understanding of the Built Environment," a unit focusing on a community's built environment. Discusses the interdisciplinary goals of the unit. Provides four samples of activities from within the unit. (CFR)

Presenting extensive background material on the development of shopping centers, this paper includes elementary and junior high school outdoor education activities centering upon shopping center studies. Background material includes analysis of the following: shopping center types (architecture, regional location, etc); land use (guidelines for…

Discusses factors that influence the shapes of houses built in different cultures. Poses the problem of building a house with optimal floor space given a fixed amount of material for the walls. Discusses students' findings, questions raised during group discussions, and mathematical concepts utilized to solve the problem. (MDH)

Outlines a lesson examining architectural and social history by investigating the changing uses of color in public and private buildings from 1830 through 1920. Describes several activities including examining historical black-and-white photographs of buildings and attempting to determine their true color and examining the chemistry of paint. (MJP)

Design and the built environment are subjects of concern to Maine communities. State mandated town planning, new school construction, and the Department of Transportation plans to rebuild roads and bridges elicit public discussion. The study of design encourages elementary students to enter this public forum as informed citizens. The study of…