Web Smarts

what: architecture isn't high on the priority list of most grade-school teachers. But teaching it is a great way to introduce physics, artistic, and scientific principles. The information at this site helps do it.

BEST POINTS: Educators take note. Lesson plans are included that explain how teachers incorporated architectural concepts into their classes. Student projects ranged from constructing the Parthenon from paper towel tubes to simply showing slides of buildings around the world in various climates. Concepts such as design, structure, materials, and communities are presented with understandable and practical applications. Architectural learning is interdisciplinary and activities are given in several major subject areas. Parents are not forgotten either. If your children are building forts under the dining room table or loves refrigerator boxes, all you have to do is cultivate their inherent curiosity. The site gives tips on recognizing opportunities to present architectural concepts. Provide children with materials like twist ties and cereal boxes to promote creative thinking.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Architecture in Education, the organization that sponsors the Web site, is an eight-week classroom program in 40 classes in Philadelphia. Architects, along with architectural students, present lessons to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

(c) Copyright 1999. The Christian Science Publishing Society