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LESSON MINI

Architectural Wonders Unveiled

Grade:

6-8

Topic:

Arts and Literature

Unit:

Architecture
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Overview

Tourist posing and pointing at Leaning Tower of Pisa. Photo Credit: © studio GDB/stock.adobe.com
© studio GDB/stock.adobe.com

In this lesson mini, students explore architectural concepts, famous architects, and iconic towers. They analyze architectural elements, learn about architect Jeanne Gang through video and discussion, design their own buildings, and research famous towers. Activities include reading articles, analyzing videos, engaging in group projects, and giving presentations to enhance students’ understanding of the historical and cultural significance of architecture.

Ideas for Implementation
Arts and Humanities
Science or Social Studies
Literacy
Library media
Intervention or enrichment
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Key Vocabulary & Definitions
architect (noun): a person who designs buildings and oversees their construction
architecture (noun): the art and science of designing buildings and structures
construction (noun): the process of building something
picturesque (adjective): visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way
Renaissance (noun): a period in European history known for its revival of art and architecture
skyscraper (noun): a very tall building with many floors
symbolism (noun): the use of symbols to represent ideas in building design
tower (noun): a tall, narrow structure, often part of a larger building
Authentic Learning Extensions
Authentic learning opportunities for studying architecture involve real-world experiences and practical applications that help students understand important architectural concepts meaningfully. Here are some examples:
Guest Speakers: Invite architects to give a talk to the class about their study paths, career journeys, and duties on a typical day. This experience gives students the opportunity to talk to professionals in the field and ask questions.
Library Visit: Invite students to visit their local libraries to explore architectural books about famous landmarks, buildings, skyscrapers, and towers found throughout the world. This gives students the opportunity to make text-to-text connections and analyze new information as it relates to the content covered in the activities.
Media Connections: Encourage students to watch movies and documentaries that showcase different architectural landmarks of interest. This gives students the chance for further visual exploration.
Neighborhood Walk: Invite students to take a supervised walk around their neighborhoods to sketch and observe architectural patterns and styles. This gives students the opportunity to develop their observation skills within the context of exploring architectural patterns in real life.
Research Project: Invite students to research why architecture is important and how different designs influence artistic appreciation. Consider asking students to choose a city as their focus to analyze how significantly building designs shape communities worldwide.

Choose Activity

Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3
Activity 4
Activity 5
3
Architectural Wonders Unveiled

Activity

1:

An Introduction to Architecture

By the end of the activity, students will be able to describe key elements of architecture, analyze architectural work, and explain its cultural and historical significance.

>40

Minutes

Materials

Whiteboard and display
Writing utensils

Resources

Britannica School Architecture article (one copy per student) https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/architecture/272939
Comprehension and Vocabulary Questions handout (one per student and one for teacher display)
Summarization Note-Taking graphic organizer (one per student and one for teacher display)
1
Tell students that during today’s activity, they will learn about architecture through images, articles, comprehension activities, and group work.
2
Begin the activity by showing different images of famous buildings found on Britannica School, ImageQuest, or another royalty-free source. Ask students to describe what they observe.
3
Have students predict the meaning of the word architecture and reflect on architectural features in different places. Encourage students to consider how architecture might reflect cultural norms, progress, and change throughout history.
4
Provide each student with a copy of the Architecture article. Instruct them to read the “Introduction” section silently. Then have them answer the questions on the Comprehension and Vocabulary Questions handout independently.
5
Ask for volunteers to share the main ideas found in the text, and document their responses on the board.
6
Display the Architecture article and highlight the following sections: “Symbolism,” “Space,” “Art,” “Organization,” “Neoclassicism,” and “Technology.”
7
Divide the class into groups of two or three students, and assign each group a section of the article to read and synthesize using the Summarization Note-Taking graphic organizer. Model how to complete the graphic organizer before students begin group work.
8
Have the groups present their summaries in the order that the sections appear in the text. Encourage students to create visual aids to support their ideas.
9
Facilitate a class discussion during which students ask questions and provide feedback on summaries presented by each group.
10
To wrap up the activity with a brief reflection activity, ask students to write down three key takeaways they learned about architecture and one question they still have.
Guided Reading: Provide students more targeted reading support and read the “Introduction” section of the Architecture article together. Then complete the handout as a group to ensure all students understand the main ideas presented. This approach benefits student learning by scaffolding comprehension, allowing students to build confidence with challenging texts; it also promotes collaborative understanding of key concepts.
Graphic Organizer: Model how to write a summary to the whole class using the “Introduction” section as a reference to ensure that students understand how to take notes and synthesize their ideas. This method enhances student learning by teaching vital information, modeling organization skills, improving content retention, and developing students’ ability to effectively identify and articulate main ideas.
Additional Reading: Encourage students to read all the sections of the Architecture article presented to gain a more in-depth understanding of the ideas explored in class during the unit. Consider asking students to read the text independently or in small groups. This gives students the opportunity to thoroughly comprehend a complex text and expand their knowledge.
Article Sections: Consider asking each group to choose the article section they would like to research rather than assigning sections. This gives students more ownership over their learning and promotes a deeper understanding of the presented content.
One Teaching, One Observing: For collaborative teaching and learning environments, this learning activity is well suited to a One Teaching, One Observing strategy. In this model, one teacher provides direct instruction to the entire class while the other observes student behavior and engagement to gather evidence of learning. This approach allows for detailed observation and assessment, helping identify students who need additional support or intervention. By focusing on student responses and participation, the observing teacher can ensure that the learning needs of all students are addressed in the activity. Research shows that targeted observation can lead to more effective intervention strategies, improving student performance.
Activity Introduction: Teacher A introduces the activity objectives and leads the image exploration activity, asking students to describe what they see and predict the meaning of the word architecture. Teacher B observes student responses and records their thoughts and ideas.
Article Reading and Comprehension: Teacher A provides the Architecture article, instructs students to read the “Introduction” section, and guides them through the Comprehension and Vocabulary Questions handout. Teacher B observes how each student engages with the text and completes the task.
Main Ideas Discussion: Teacher A facilitates a discussion of the main ideas found in the text while Teacher B notes student contributions and understanding.
Group Activity: Teacher A divides the class into groups, assigns article sections, and models how to use the Summarization Note-Taking graphic organizer. Teacher B observes how students interact with each other and complete their work.
Presentations: Teacher A facilitates the group presentations, encouraging the use of visual aids. Teacher B observes and assesses student presentations, noting the quality of summaries and corresponding visual supports.
Class Discussion: Teacher A moderates the question and feedback session following group presentations while Teacher B observes student engagement and the depth of peer interactions.
Activity Wrap-up: Teacher A leads a reflection activity, asking students to write down key learnings and remaining questions about architecture. Teacher B assesses students’ responses to gauge overall comprehension and identify areas for future instruction.
Architectural Wonders Unveiled

Activity

2:

Meet an Architect

By the end of the activity, students will be able to explain the role of architects, describe the career path of renowned architect Jeanne Gang, and apply basic architectural design principles to create and present their own building concepts.

≥40

Minutes

Materials

Colored pencils and markers
Erasers
Graph paper (a few sheets per group)
Poster board (one per group)
Rulers
Sample design plan
Whiteboard and display
Writing utensils

Resources

Britannica School Meet an Architect! video https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/assembly/view/287106
Design Plan handout (one per student and one for teacher display)
Meet an Architect! Guiding Questions handout (one per student and one for teacher display)
Think-Pair-Share instructional strategy
1
Tell students that during today’s activity they will learn about an architect’s role through a video interview with Jeanne Gang, discussion questions, and a hands-on building design activity.
2
Define the word architect as a professional who plans, designs, and oversees building construction. Engage students by asking them to share knowledge of architects or predictions about an architect’s daily work.
3
Distribute the Meet an Architect! Guiding Questions handout to each student for use as a discussion guide throughout the activity.
4
Display and play the Meet an Architect! video, instructing students to take notes and answer the guiding questions on their handouts as they watch.
5
After the video, facilitate a Think-Pair-Share instructional strategy for students to discuss their answers to the guiding questions.
6
Tell students that they will become architects for a day and design a building. Explain that students will design a building in groups, specifying the building’s name, location, function, and aesthetic features. Explain that the final design will be created on a poster board.
7
Organize students into groups of three or four. Provide each group with a Design Plan handout.
8
Show an example of a completed plan and design to set clear expectations for the final product.
9
Distribute materials as needed: graph paper, pencils, erasers, rulers, colored pencils, markers, and poster board.
10
Wrap up the activity by asking students to reflect on their experience as architects and share one thing they learned about Jeanne Gang.
Video Viewing: Allow students to watch the video twice to strengthen comprehension and engagement with the presented content. Consider asking students to watch the video without taking notes during the first viewing and then watch the video a second time and answer the guiding questions. This approach benefits student learning by accommodating different processing speeds and allowing for deeper engagement with the material.
Further Research: Guide students to learn more about Jeanne Gang through independent research using reliable primary and secondary sources. This gives students the opportunity to find out more about this notable architect and develop autonomous research skills.
3-D Designs: Consider providing materials for students to make 3-D designs of their buildings. This gives students the opportunity to engage with the activity in a more hands-on, tactile way.
Digital Tools: To drive digital literacy, provide students the option of working with digital tools to design and create models of their buildings. This gives students the opportunity to engage with different design programs.
Team Teaching: For collaborative teaching and learning environments, this learning activity is well suited to a Team Teaching strategy. In this model, sometimes referred to as “tag team teaching,” both teachers deliver instruction together, often alternating or integrating their teaching styles seamlessly. This collaborative approach provides students with multiple perspectives and teaching styles, enriching their learning experience. By modeling effective teamwork and communication, this approach demonstrates how different viewpoints can enhance understanding and create a dynamic and interactive classroom environment. Evidence indicates that team teaching can enhance student engagement and provide a richer, more diverse educational experience.
Before the Activity: Teachers A and B should meet to discuss their individual strengths and how they can best complement each other throughout the activities. This planning session ensures a smooth, cohesive delivery of the activity.
Activity Introduction: Teacher A introduces what architects do for a living, while Teacher B provides each student with a Meet an Architect! handout.
Video Viewing: Teacher A displays the video and shares the guiding questions before starting, while Teacher B ensures that all students understand the concepts discussed before, during, and after the video, especially as students participate in the Think-Pair-Share activity.
Group Work: Teacher A assigns student groups and instructs them to design a building while sharing the design expectations: outline the name, location, function, and aesthetics features of their building. Teacher B provides each group with the materials needed to complete their designs. Both teachers circulate among groups; Teacher A guides students through the conceptual aspects of building design (name, location, function, and aesthetic features), while Teacher B assists with the technical aspects of creating the poster board design.
Reflection and Wrap-Up: Teacher A reconvenes the class and asks the groups to present their building designs, while Teacher B ensures that audience members stay on task, ask thoughtful questions, and give constructive feedback.
Architectural Wonders Unveiled

Activity

3:

Iconic Tower

By the end of the activity, students will be able to describe the historical significance and architectural features of selected iconic towers, including the Tower of Babel and famous European landmarks, through group research, visual presentations, and class discussions.

>40

Minutes

Materials

Colored pencils and markers (a few per group)
Poster board (one per group)
Whiteboard and display
Writing utensils

Resources

Britannica School Eiffel Tower article (one per student group assignment)https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Eiffel-Tower/274136
Britannica School Leaning Tower of Pisa article (one per student group assignment) https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Leaning-Tower-of-Pisa/574649
Britannica School Tower of London article (one per student group assignment)https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Tower-of-London/277401
Britannica School Tower of Babel video https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/assembly/view/196884
Tower of Babel Guiding Questions handout (one per student and one for teacher display)
Tower Research Guide handout (one per student)
1
Tell students that during today’s activity they will learn about different towers by first watching a video about the Tower of Babel and then engaging in a class reflection and a small-group research project on famous European towers.
2
Explain to students that a tower is a tall structure where people do not live. Invite students to name different towers they know about or have visited.
3
Provide each student with a Tower of Babel Guiding Questions handout, and explain that they will use the handout as a note-taking guide during the video.
4
Display and play the Tower of Babel video.
5
After watching the video, lead a group discussion about the Tower of Babel and record students’ key ideas on the whiteboard or display.
6
Divide students into groups of two or three and assign each group the task of researching one of the following—the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the Tower of London—using provided articles from Britannica School.
7
Arrange the classroom to create designated areas for each tower, allowing students to collaborate with others who are researching the same structure.
8
Distribute the appropriate tower article (Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, or Tower of London) to each group, and provide each student with a Tower Research Guide handout.
9
Explain that students will use the handout to guide their research on the assigned tower’s history and architectural significance. Instruct them to create a poster showcasing key information and illustrations of their tower. Distribute materials as needed: colored pencils, markers, and poster board.
10
Facilitate a gallery walk where students present their posters to the class, encouraging questions and discussions about each tower.
11
Wrap up by asking students what they learned about the architecture of important global landmarks and towers.
Visual Aids: To activate students’ thinking and help them make connections to their own lives and foster peer discussion, at the beginning of the activity show students images of famous landmarks, towers, and skyscrapers. This strategy enhances student learning by stimulating the minds of visual learners, activating prior knowledge, and creating concrete mental hooks for new information, which can improve comprehension and long-term retention of the material.
Self-Assessment: At the end of the activity, invite students to write a reflection of their understanding of the different famous landmarks covered in class. This exercise allows students to self-assess what they learned from the video, group activity, and peer presentations.
In-Depth Research: Consider extending this activity and asking each group to research all three towers and conduct a comparative analysis of the towers’ histories. This gives students an opportunity to engage with a variety of texts and develop their analytical skills.
Team Teaching: For collaborative teaching and learning environments, this learning activity is well suited to a Team Teaching model. In this model, sometimes referred to as “tag team teaching,” both teachers deliver instruction together, often alternating or integrating their teaching styles seamlessly. This collaborative approach provides students with multiple perspectives and teaching styles, enriching their learning experience. By modeling effective teamwork and communication, this approach demonstrates how different viewpoints can enhance understanding and create a dynamic and interactive classroom environment. Evidence indicates that team teaching can enhance student engagement and provide a richer, more diverse educational experience.
Activity Introduction: Teacher A introduces the concepts of towers and leads a class brainstorming session, while Teacher B provides each student with a Tower of Babel Guiding Questions handout.
Video Viewing and Discussion: Teacher A plays the video and guides students in using the question handout while Teacher B monitors comprehension and prepares to facilitate the post-video discussion. Both teachers collaborate in leading the group discussion and recording key ideas on the whiteboard.
Group Work: Teacher A divides students into groups and assigns each group one of the three towers to research. Teacher B distributes the appropriate Britannica article and Tower Research Guide handout to each group. Both teachers explain the poster creation task and circulate among groups, providing support as needed.
Presentation and Wrap Up: Teacher A facilitates the gallery walk, encouraging students to present their posters, while Teacher B ensures active participation and thoughtful engagement on the part of the audience. Both teachers collaborate in leading the final reflection discussion on what students learned about tower architecture and their historical significance worldwide.
Architectural Wonders Unveiled

Activity

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Architectural Wonders Unveiled

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum .
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