Lesson Overview
African American Architects
GRADES 4-5 MATH AND ART
How can students learn about area of rectilinear figures through the creation of architectural blueprints?
Lesson Process:
Step 1: Look at a photograph of Villa Lewaro, designed by Vertner Woodson Tandy. Using artful thinking, analyze the components of the photograph.
Step 2: Distribute Architect Folders to small groups and explore various blueprints and architects about Robert Taylor, Vertner Tandy, and Paul Williams. Explore how items are placed in blueprints.
Step 3: Using the blueprints, measure the areas of each rectangle and then explore how these shapes are used in both overlapping and non-overlapping ways.
Step 4: Students create their own blueprints of their dream home using graph paper and drawing pencils, ensuring the use of overlapping and non-overlapping parts.
Time Required:
45-60 minutes
Materials List:
- Drawing pencils and erasers
- Rulers
- Graph Paper (larger is better but any size will work)
- Folders with articles and image samples
- Notecards
Assessment:
Design Rubric.
Students can:
- Read, discuss and share about architects they have been assigned.
- Apply knowledge of architects and math concepts using graph paper to create a blueprint of their dream house.
- Create a design that has an area of 50 squares
