LearningObject

=__**Learning Object: Shapes and Building Structures **__//**(Grade Level: 6-8) **//= = =  The following learning object will teach students about the shapes architects and engineers use everyday to construct and build structures. In this learning object we will learn how arches, triangles and domes are used by engineers to build solid structures.

__Learning Objectives:__

 * 1) An understanding of how tension and compression get distributed in architecture.
 * 2) Learn how triangles are used in building structures, and how they provide the ability to strengthen a structure.
 * 3) Learn how arches use compression to strengthen bridges and other building structures.
 * 4) Identify examples of triangles, arches, and domes in various landmarks.

**Part 1: Tension and Compression in Architecture**
 Review the following videos to learn how Compression and Tension is used in Building Structures:


 * //** media type="youtube" key="W38N5ehhBYg" height="273" width="362" align="center" (source: www.youtube.com)**// || //** media type="youtube" key="SMQ18jVos5k" height="269" width="333" align="center" (source: www.youtube.com)**// ||

**Part 2: Triangles and their uses in Building Structures**
 Break into groups and complete the following exercises: //**(Source: www.pbs.org **//) || [|Straw Bridge Exercise] //** (Source: www.pbs.org **//) ||
 * = [[file:Triangles Exercise.pdf]]
 * = 

See how triangles work in Building Structures in this Interactive Activity: [|Shapes Lab]


 * Post the results of Activities to the [|Discussion Board]**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**Part 3: Arches Review and Activity:**
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Review the following video and complete the activity in your groups:

[|Arches Activity] //**(source: www.pbs.org)**//

Arches Video:

media type="youtube" key="UYtIFM1ek_M" height="258" width="321" //**(source: www.youtube.com)**//


 * Post the results of Activities to the [|Discussion Board]**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> From what you have learned, choose one of the following landmarks and identify the arches, triangles, and domes of the structure. You can use Paint or any other photo editing program to edit the photo and highlight the specific shapes, or you can write a paragraph describing the structure and post your results to the [|Discussion Board]<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> under Activity 4.


 * [[image:whitehouse1.jpg width="393" height="243"]] || [[image:Famous_Buildings_Miniatures.........fantastic.gif.jpg width="384" height="243"]] ||
 * [[image:arches1.jpg width="385" height="320"]] || [[image:ArchBridge1.jpg width="398" height="321"]] ||
 * [[image:Famous_Buildings_Miniatures.........fantastic_6.gif.jpg width="363" height="278"]] || [[image:Famous_Buildings_Miniatures.........fantastic_8.gif.jpg width="362" height="280"]] ||

__**Questions:**__

Any Questions Relating to this Learning Object can be posted on the [|Discussion Board].