Page 68 - Copshaholm Curriculum Book_2015

Architecture in My Classroom? 2

possible? For example, shades might block the sun's heat in the summer
and a ceiling fan might create a pleasant breeze. In the winter, open the
shades and rely on the fan to circulate downward the warmer air that
rises.

Body heat affects temperature, so have students figure out how much
they heat up their environment through several calculations.
How does the color of the classroom make students feel? What would the
difference be if it were scarlet red or midnight blue?

Students can compare the classroom to the library, gym, and
principal's office by identifying colors, numbers of windows, the size and
shape of the spaces, and other physical features and also the rooms’
uses. What makes each room different?

Have students locate significant features specific to the school building
through a treasure hunt.
Have your students take what they learn from their investigations to
design their ideal classroom or remodel a space in the school.

Your students can describe what they see out the windows of the
classroom -- the buildings' ages, what they are made of, and who uses
them. Then, they can map what they see to figure out the viewing
distance.

Students can tour their building with maintenance staff to learn how
the water, electrical, and heating and air conditioning systems flow into,
out of and through the building. Then they might be assigned to draw a
diagram of how the systems flow in their own houses.

Students could study and identify the exterior of the school -- for
example, the geometric shapes, patterns, ornaments, materials, and
handicapped access.

Architecture is all around you and you make decisions every day that
influence your environment. This is what Architecture in Education
teaches you and your students. You need no special expertise to open up
a whole world and new way of seeing to your students.