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Session 3: Architecture Engineering 🏛️

Overview

Grades: 5-6 | Duration: 45 minutes | Session: 3 of 17

Students explore architectural engineering principles, designing and building model structures that serve human needs.

Session 3: Architecture Engineering

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand architectural engineering principles

  • Design buildings for specific purposes

  • Apply structural concepts to architecture

  • Balance aesthetics and function

Session 3: Architecture Engineering

Materials Needed

  • 🧱 KEVA Planks (from CSCOE library)

  • 📐 Grid paper for blueprints

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 📸 Architecture examples

  • 📏 Measuring tools

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Medieval Cathedral Architects — Anonymous builders spent lifetimes constructing churches they'd never see completed. Their buildings still inspire awe 800 years later!

Scripture

"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." — Psalm 127:1

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you are the master architect of creation. Help us design buildings that serve people well and bring beauty to the world. May our work honor you. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (7 minutes)

  1. Architecture = Art + Engineering:
  2. Buildings must be beautiful AND functional
  3. Serve human needs
  4. Last for generations
  5. Cathedral Builders:
  6. Built for God's glory
  7. Flying buttresses = engineering innovation
  8. Light, height, beauty for worship
  9. Architecture Principles:
  10. Form follows function — Shape serves purpose
  11. Load distribution — How weight transfers
  12. Space design — How people move through

Main Activity: Architectural Design Challenge (30 minutes)

Part 1: Blueprint Phase (8 minutes)

Design Brief: Create a building for ONE purpose:

  • School classroom of the future

  • Community center

  • Church or chapel

  • Hospital/clinic

  • Library/learning space

Requirements:

  • Must serve the intended users

  • Entrance and exit visible

  • Multiple functional areas

  • Structural stability

Blueprint:

  • Draw floor plan (top view)

  • Draw front elevation (side view)

  • Label key features

  • Note structural solutions

Part 2: Construction Phase (17 minutes)

Build with KEVA Planks:

Structural Considerations:

  • Foundation stability

  • Wall strength

  • Roof support

  • Opening reinforcement (doors/windows)

Architectural Features:

  • Different areas for different functions

  • Aesthetic elements

  • Human-scale proportions

Tips:

  • Start with strong foundation

  • Interlock corners for stability

  • Plan roof support before building too high

  • Add details that serve function

Part 3: Architecture Review (5 minutes)

  • Present designs

  • Explain purpose and features

  • Discuss structural solutions

  • Peer feedback on form and function

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Attach or sketch blueprint
  2. Building purpose: ___
  3. Key structural features: ___
  4. Write: "Good architecture serves people by..."
  5. Write: "My design honors God because..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Appreciation — "What building design impressed you?"
  2. Cathedral Connection — "How did faith inspire great architecture?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Lord, bless the buildings where we live, learn, and worship. Help us create spaces that serve your people well. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Created functional blueprint

  • Built stable structure

  • Balanced form and function

  • Explained design choices

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Simpler building type

  • Partner construction

  • Template blueprints

For Advanced Students

  • Multiple-story building

  • Complex roof design

  • Include scale considerations

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Architecture tour! Notice buildings in your community. Which are well-designed? Visit a church and observe architectural features. Research famous architects or cathedrals. Draw your dream building!

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve KEVA planks from CSCOE

  • Show architecture examples before activity

  • Notre Dame, Sagrada Familia are great examples

  • Discuss local church architecture

Previous: Session 2 — Sphero Sensors
Next: Session 4 — Forensic Science