Lesson Overview:

This lesson teaches the elements of architecture through the design and construction of model bird houses and the study of nesting birds.

Length of Lesson:

Seven 45-minute periods

Notes:

This lesson is particularly suitable for grades 7-8.

Instructional Objectives:

Students will:

• identify the various characteristics of different styles of architecture.
• identify relationships between the style of architecture and the environment in which it was produced.
• recognize the cultural influence upon architecture.

Supplies:

• Foam core board (one large piece for each student)
• Graph paper and white paper for design and modeling (quantity for each student)
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructional Plan:

Introduce the lesson through class discussion of the elements of architecture, using visuals (slide, photographs, video). Focus on the architecture of dwelling places. Have students analyze the relationships between the style of home architecture and the environment in which it was produced. Discuss cultural influences that might affect home architecture. (This discussion may take two class periods.)

Discuss with students the homes that birds make. Ask students:

• Where do birds nest?
• How do different nests look?
• Do birds nest in bird houses in your yard?
• How do they seem to choose bird houses?
• How can we relate architecture of houses to architecture of bird houses?
• What environmental influences might affect the design of different types of bird houses?
• Suggest to students: If you were a bird house designer, what elements of architectural design would you include to make a bird house that would attract "the best birds in town"? (This discussion may take one class period.)

Have students work individually to create an original architectural design on paper and construct a paper model from this design. (This activity will take at least one class period and homework time.)

As a class, have students work with the teacher to devise a scoring guide that will be used by all students to judge the work of partners in the next section of the lesson. Have students select a partner. Have them construct one of their designs in foam board, combining ideas if possible. (This activity will take at least two class periods and homework time.) Students should cut out their designs with scissors and use glue to attach pieces together.

When all foam board designs are complete, have students use their scoring guide to evaluate all the bird houses that have been created.

Wrap up the lesson by discussing design choices and assumptions that might be made about the environment and the type of birds that would use the bird houses that have been created.

Assessment:

Conduct student evaluations using the scoring guide created by the class. Assess students based on:

• Class participation, creativity, craftsmanship and completion of art activities.
• Written and verbal explanation which indicate increased awareness and appreciation of architectural styles.

Extensions:

Have students visit Wonderworld, from the Xpeditions Web site. This activity challenges students to design a theme park "devoted to the great moments in architecture and engineering."

Have students listen to a National Public Radio interview with "sound artist" Bruce Odland, called The Sound of Architecture. In this segment, Odland explains how he and his partner, Sam Auinger, explore the effect of architectural design on sound. Have students then describe how they think their structures would carry sound. How might they change the design to house an orchestra? How might they change the design to house a hospital?

Authors:

• Vic Cain
  E.L. Wright Middle School
  Columbia, SC