Pull out homes.

Architecture Models.  Students "pull out" 3d models of their buildings.  Designs are carved into card stock.   We used x-acto knives to create the details around our structures.  This proved to be a difficult task.   Several of the sixth-seventh graders were unable to work with such precise detail.   These were done on 8.5x11 cardstock.  It would be fun to do these on 11x14 and take more time on them.  I think we spent about 40 minutes.  There are several nice YouTube  videos that help show how these are created.

Gumdrop Geodesic Domes

 More Architecture: Gumdrop Geodesic Domes

Another great building project is geodesic domes made with gum balls and tooth picks.  Students find out how strong triangles can be compared to quadrilaterals when it comes to building and structure. A fun challenge can be created by having students cut their gumdrops in fourths, this allows them more material to build with, but they need to be careful to make sure their connections are strong.  Students enjoy creating different patterns which often become their sculpture.   No competitions here, just fun.

Remembering Israel

Two years ago I was invited to go with the Hasten Hebrew Academy to Israel.  We took eighteen students on a three week trip to Israel.  I was able to visit Jeruselum for two nights on my own.  During this time I spent a day at the Israel Museum.  I came upon a James Turrel installation out in the sculpture garden boarding the modern art wing of the museum.  Turrel creates amazing space using light.   He uses proportion, scale, and light to describe a place.  Here is the entrance to his space in Israel.

My favorite paint at the Israel museum. A Rembrandt. I think it was called Saint Peter in prison.

Another Architecture Challenge

This activity is all about defying gravity.  Each group is given the same odd assortment of materials and is told to build the tallest structure possible.

Given:

- fifteenPopsicle sticks

- a roll of masking tape

- 3 paper clips,

- a dozen toothpicks

- a plastic cup

-11x14 piece of construction paper

They had 50 minutes to design and build.  This tallest tower was over 2 meters tall.

This structure proved to stand the tallest.  This year a new twist to these constructions has evolved.  The tasks each have a set amount of materials that can be used.  Students often ask for more tape, or more paper and in the past I have stuck to the "given".  This year I let students vote if they want more Popsicle sticks or more of one of the other materials.  We had 4 groups working on the towers pictured here.  Excellent debates and lobbying would follow.  It added a political game to the process which I plan to keep incorporating.  Fun stuff.