Lesson Plan - Architect and Contractor

Purpose:
To understand the development of different homes within the community.
To develop and understanding of the role of the architect and the contractor.
To learn what jobs are planned and contracted.
To teach what materials are needed for jobs of contracted workers.
 

Review Background:
Have students discuss different houses found in their neighborhoods, and what they are made from.
 

Importance of this Lesson:
This lesson relates the initial process of building to the local environment. Children will come to understand that there is more to house-building than simply putting down floors, putting up walls and a roof.
 

Objectives:
At the end of this lesson the leaner will demonstrate understandings of the development of a "building" by:

• Recognizing and stating the type of buildings found in their community.
• Naming and illustrating the process of the architect.
• Selecting jobs that must be done by the contractor.
• Matching tools and equipment used to develop the initial phase of construction.
  

Motivation:
Allow the learners to listen to the song "Architect Nan".
Have individuals discuss parts of the song attempting determine its meaning.
 

Activities/Procedures:
The teacher and/or student will:

• Discuss different types of houses (single family, duplex, apartment, row house, etc.)
  
• Have new words listed on cards or board.
  
• Identify the architect and define the job:
  
  • Draws designs buildings
    Draws plans for construction
    Determines what materials should be used with contractors
    
• Introduce and (over several days) read Architects Make Ziazaos: Looking at Architecture from A to Z, by Diane Maddes with drawings by Roxie Munro.
  
• Discuss "zigzags" from the story, emphasizing elements students might have knowledge of, or have seen.
  
• Discuss tools used by the architect.
  
• Provide old blueprints/plans; discuss how they are used.
  
• Design a house for animals.
  
• Work cooperatively to design a simple house.
  Allow different students to complete individual tasks: draw exterior, floor, decide where to place door(s) and windows, etc.
  
• Sing song "Architect Nan"
  
• Complete optical illustration activity; and relate this to the architect in designing a building.
  
• Identify the contractor and define his role: Works with the architect on the design Will hire - carpenters, plumbers, painters, electricians, masons, etc.
  
• Complete "Secret Code" of workers the contractor hires.
  
• Select pictures that relate to each worker ("Which Belongs?")
  See previous unit for pictures of workers.
  

 
Materials

• Vocabulary words
  Pictures of different dwellings
  Trade Books
  Tape recorder and tape
  Supplies for construction (see activities)
  Drawing paper
  Small square
  Ruler
  Pencils
  Art erasers
  Pictures of tradespeople
  Task assignment cards for cooperative activities
  Pictures of tools and equipment
  Complete a matching activity Old plans or blueprints
• Web site: What Does An Architect Do?
  

Early finishers (Enrichment)

• Draw the floor plan of a house
  Write a story about a family who wanted a special house for a turkey
  Make a list for an architect of things you would like in a house.
  

Special Needs

• The song will encourage verbal development and thinking skills.
  Drawing and writing activities will encourage motor movements.
  Visual representations of workers should retain prominence in the room.
  

Closure

• Students will tell what an architect does, and how she works with the contractor.
  

Tools used by an architect:

• Model-builders knife
  sharpening stone
  T square, triangles, architect's scale
  metal straightedge
  tweezers
  small hammer
  handsaw
  shears
  masking tape
  work table
  

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