03 December - Shapes in Architecture

3rd Grade

Materials:

white paper

clip board

black felt tip markers

markers assorted colors

Discussion:

Discuss architecture: Architecture is the art of designing and planning buildings for people. An architect is the person or artist that plans and designs the buildings. Architects use shapes in their designs. Ask students to define shape: 2- dimensional closed figure. Talk about the difference between geometric and free form shapes by asking students to name some shapes. As they name them (circle, square etc.) draw them on the board. Mention that these are all geometric shapes. Next draw a squiggly cloud shape on the board. Tell them this is a free form shape. Ask them what the difference is. The difference is geometric shapes have names. If someone says circle, everyone imagines the same thing but if someone says blob, that could mean a lot of things.

Look at paintings of building and if possible blue prints. Ask students to point out geometric and free form shapes such as different shaped roofs, doors, windows etc.

Process:

1. Give students clipboards with paper and a black marker. Have students go outside and select an area of the school building they would like to draw.

2. Have students identify the various shapes they observe in the building and draw them.

3. When students are done they can return to the art room and color in some of the shapes using colored markers.