Have you ever wondered why the Eiffel Tower stands so tall, why the Leaning Tower of Pisa tilts, or how the ancient Egyptians build the mighty pyramids? From soaring towers to massive walls and incredible landmarks, architecture tells the story of the people, places, and ideas that shaped our world. Every structure has a purpose, and every design has a story to tell!
In our Exploring Architecture Family Unit Study, a hands-on architecture unit study, you’ll travel the globe as you discover some of the world’s most famous landmarks, learn about the architects and engineers who designed them, and explore the science behind strong, stable structures. Through hands-on building challenges, creative art projects, geography activities and engineering experiments, you’ll experience architecture in a fun and meaningful way.
Below, I’m sharing the 10 topics included in this unit study with some of the exciting activities you’ll enjoy together!
What is a Family Unit Study?
But first… what exactly is a Family Unit Study?
This architecture unit study, like all of our ever-growing library of unit studies, takes one big theme—Architecture—and breaks it down into ten manageable, bite-sized learning topics filled with engaging activities for kids. This format gives you the freedom to dive into learning at a pace that works for your family. Perhaps you do one topic per day, perhaps one per week. Whatever suits your fancy! You can learn about architecture and explore a topic from start to finish in about 1-2 hours each.
Dive in and watch the sparks of wonder ignite. Watch the child-led learning take off. Watch what happens when children are engaged in what they are learning!
Each of the 10 topics includes:
- an interesting fact,
- a discussion question,
- informative information,
- a curated YouTube video,
- a recommended book,
- a math or literacy enrichment question (with three difficulty levels),
- and an ultimate-can’t-be-beat hands-on activity!
Plus, all subjects are covered across the 10 topics! Geography, History, Science, Social Studies, Music, Art, Health, Literacy, and Math.
When everything connects across subjects, learning just makes more sense. Kids remember more, understand better, and actually enjoy the process. It’s the kind of learning that really sticks. 🙌
Don’t Miss Out!
Before we dive into the fascinating world of architecture, I wanted to share a little something to make your homeschool days just a bit easier (because we all need that, right?).
Our Mini Homeschool Toolbox is a simple, go-to resource filled with helpful printables – like math charts, number lines, and writing supports – to keep your days organized and your lessons running smoothly.
It’s completely free and so handy to have on hand as you move through your homeschool routine. Simply enter your email address below, and a copy will be instantly delivered to your inbox.
Exploring Architecture: A Hands-On Architecture Unit Study
Let’s take a more detailed look at what you can expect with the Exploring Architecture Unit Study. Below are the 10 topics and examples of the hands-on activities you will enjoy together.
Topic #1: Architecture Around the World
What do the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and the Great Pyramid of Giza all have in common? They’re some of the world’s most famous landmarks! Discover remarkable structures from around the globe and explore the unique architecture that makes each one unforgettable. Then, test your knowledge with a fun Landmarks Scavenger Hunt.
Topic #2: The Eiffel Tower
Did you know the Eiffel Tower sparkles each night with 20,000 light bulbs? Explore the history and design of one of the world’s most famous landmarks, and discover what made it the tallest human-made structure of its time. Then, build your own tall, stable towers in a hands-on engineering challenge.
Topic #3: The Eiffel Tower Artwork
Did you know the Eiffel Tower is repainted about every 7 years in a special shade called “Eiffel Tower brown”? Take a closer look at the iconic design of this remarkable landmark and discover how its lattice-like iron beams make it both beautiful and strong. Then, create your own Eiffel Tower artwork using simple drawing and watercolor techniques.
Topic #4: The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Did you know the Leaning Tower of Pisa has survived four earthquakes? Millions of people travel to Italy each year to see this famous leaning landmark. Discover why the tower was built, how it began to tilt, and what has kept it standing for centuries. For this hands-on activity, you get to recreate this iconic tower with a Leaning Tower of Pisa Playdough Mat.
Topic #5: Why Does it Lean?
Have you ever wondered why The Leaning Tower of Pisa leans or how it stays up? Discover the engineering facts behind lean. Then, become an engineer yourself as you design, test, and improve a tower in a hands-on Structure and Stability Challenge!
Topic #6: Pyramids of Giza
For more than 3,800 years, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest structure on Earth! Explore how the ancient Egyptians designed and built these incredible monuments, and discover why they have stood the test of time. Then, recreate a pyramid of your own with a hands-on LEGO building challenge.
Topic #7: Pyramids of Egypt Art
Now that you’ve discovered how the Pyramids of Egypt were built, it’s time to explore their unique shape! Learn why the pyramid design is so strong and stable before creating your own beautiful watercolor pyramid painting.
Topic #8: The Great Wall of China
How do you build the longest structure in the world? Explore the fascinating history of the Great Wall of China and discover why it took more than 2,500 years to complete. Then, recreate this incredible landmark with a hands-on sugar cube building activity.
Topic #9: The Great Wall of China & Chinese Musical Instruments
The Great Wall of China is more than an incredible feat of engineering – it’s a symbol of China’s rich history and culture. Discover how famous landmarks and traditional Chinese musical instruments reflect the stories and traditions of the people who created them. Then, listen to traditional Chinese music as you create beautiful Great Wall pointillism artwork.
Topic #10: What is an Architect?
Have you ever wondered who dreams up the buildings and landmarks we see every day? Discover what architects do and explore how they combine creativity, problem-solving, and engineering to design safe, beautiful structures. Then, think like an architect as you plan and build your own creation from start to finish.
And there you have it: the 10 exciting learning topics that make up our great big Exploring Architecture Family Unit Study! This is such a fun, hands-on way to do an architecture homeschool curriculum. Head on over to my shop to get your copy today and let the learning begin.
Exploring Architecture Family Unit Study
https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/family-unit-study-exploring-architecture
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Thanks so much for reading, friend!
xo
Sarah
