What is the tallest building in the world? What is the science behind castles and bridges? Through thirty-seven lessons, Introduction to Architecture answers these questions and covers topics such as components of architecture, building structures, and the history of these structures. Students in middle and high school learn about the art and science of designing and building structures used for living, working, worshiping, visiting, and traveling.
Course InformationThis Introduction to Architecture homeschool course includes components of architecture, building structures, and the various aspects of the structures, including history, functionality, and the basic science behind its stability.
Overview
Supplies Needed
Corresponding lessons on SchoolhouseTeachers.com; Bible; download and print the maps found in each lesson; journal for note-taking and research (Reader’s Response Notebook)
What to Do
Go to Class Lessons and download the lesson plan and lesson file. Start with the Day 1 reading assignment. Follow the instructions each day on the lesson plan and check them off when completed.
Course SampleTo view a full sample of this course, click here.
Introduction to Architecture
Week 2: The Pyramids
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—and the only one still standing today—is the Great Pyramid of Giza. Built circa 2500 BC, the Great Pyramid is the largest pyramid that has ever been constructed. This structure was created to serve as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. The two smaller ones standing beside it were built by Khufu’s son, Khafre, and his grandson, Menkaure.
In the photo below, Khufu’s pyramid is on the far right, Khafre’s is in the middle, and Menkaure’s is on the left. The three smaller structures in the foreground are the Pyramids of Queens. Though it appears that Khafre’s pyramid is the tallest, it was simply constructed on a higher plateau. The diagram on page two shows the layout of the three pyramids, along with the Sphinx. The names you see—Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinos—are the names attributed to them by the Greeks.
ACTIVITIES:
Pyramids were not new to Egyptian culture. Khufu’s father, Snefru (or Sneferu), built a few during his reign, but none of them had the precision and stability of Khufu’s. He first built a step type of pyramid in Maidum that stood 306 feet tall. After moving to Dahshur, he had another constructed, which later became known as the “Bent Pyramid.” During construction, it was determined the slope was too steep, so the angle was changed. It rose to a final height of 344 feet.
SchoolhouseTeachers.com note: Parents should closely monitor children’s use of YouTube and Wikipedia if you navigate away from the videos and articles cited in these lessons. We also recommend viewing the videos on a full screen setting in order to minimize your students’ exposure to potentially offensive ads.
