Grade Level: 4--8

Objective: Students will learn to  recognize three primary structural forms of architecture: post and beam constructions, rounded arches, and Gothic arches.  They will look for these forms in their community buildings and will set up experiments to test the strength of these forms.

Warm-up Activity:  The ancient Greek civilization is credited with producing an architectural style which relies on the post and beam support.  The Parthenon in Athens, Greece is an excellent example of post and beam architecture.  Illustrate this construction technique on the board or overhead.

Share with the class a picture of the architecture of the Coliseum in Rome, an ancient example of a multi-story building which uses arches.  The ancient Romans pioneered the use of the rounded arch which allowed structures to have more than one story.  Ask if any students have seen Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, (for a photo, click here) which is a modern example of the Roman's technique.  Rounded arches are referred to as Roman or Italianate arches. 

Gothic arches are pointed arches and were developed during the Middle Ages (1000-1500 A.D.) and were most often associated with Western Europe's great cathedrals such as Notre Dame.  In the United States, many public buildings, churches and houses were built in the Gothic Revival style in the 1800s.  (If possible, share pictures of buildings which display the Gothic arch.)

While touring your community with your class, look for examples of post and beam construction and different arches in the buildings.  Are there more examples of one form than another? 

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