ARchitecture/3D Design
Building with Legos
I began our exploration into 3D design by posing a broad question to my class. I asked this question: "What makes an effective structure and how do we know?" This began a discussion about function and design which sparked creativity. I then placed the class into groups of three or four students and gave the class a challenge to design a structure that could move by sea. One group member had to draw an original design on paper first. Then I laid out big buckets of legos and had each group build their design using legos. This was a one day project, and below are some of the structures in progress.
Here are some ideas for making building with legos purposeful.
- Create a zip line. String yarn to something in the classroom and have students build a structure to hold a mini-figure. Time the runs.
- Give a limited amount of blocks and do a timed build of whatever they wanted using all the pieces.
- Team students up and give them an assignment of building a vehicle that can go by land, sea, or air. Leave time for students to present their creations.
Lego Resources/Websites:
Nathan Sawaya: lego artist
Sean Kenney
Nature Connects with Sean Kenney
Students enjoy these shorts by Michael Hickox:
The Lucky Coin
Lego Pizza Delivery
Animation Tips and Tricks Video: Behind the Scenes with Michael Hickox
20 Most Incredible Lego World Records! by SpitBrix
Nathan Sawaya: lego artist
Sean Kenney
Nature Connects with Sean Kenney
Students enjoy these shorts by Michael Hickox:
The Lucky Coin
Lego Pizza Delivery
Animation Tips and Tricks Video: Behind the Scenes with Michael Hickox
20 Most Incredible Lego World Records! by SpitBrix
Bridge building
I first placed the class into groups of three or four. Next, I posed the same question as above: What makes an effective structure and how do we know? I passed out supplies such as small and large marshmallows, Dots, toothpicks, and straws. I also showed the class several different types of bridges and we discussed what shapes make the strongest structures. Then, the class watched this informational video- What Makes Bridges Strong. After the structures were completed, we tested the bridges to see if they could hold up across the space between two desks. (You could also see if the bridges could hold weight by putting marbles in a cup attached to the bridge center.) The students were proud of their efforts and designs and got to eat a bit of candy to celebrate.
Being An Architect
My second grade class took on a challenge in completing the project featured below. They had the experience of making a drawing of a diamond and building a 3D shape to match. It was a good way to begin thinking like an architect.
I began by having my students watch a step-by-step video of how to draw a diamond. I paused the video every step of the way so the students could have time to process the information and make their lines. I then placed three large buckets of legos around the room and had the students pick out legos to make three dimensional models to match their drawings. This project was a challenge for some, but for the spatially gifted, it was fantastic and appropriate.