The “Architects in Schools” program was created to encourage greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of Architecture and our built environment.

As a teacher, the program helps you make connections with architects in your own community who can assist you in developing lesson plans and learning activities that will introduce your students to important ideas and concepts through Architecture. It is offered as a community service by members of AIA Wisconsin, the state society of The American Institute of Architects.

Architecture often is described as a combination of Art and Science; so it’s a natural component for these two subjects. Architecture also can be used effectively as part of the curriculum for other subjects, such as History, Social Studies, Language Arts and Math. The following are a few examples:


History/Social Studies
• development of architectural styles
• growth of a community
• influence of culture
• influence of geography

Language Arts
• narratives about how certain buildings, rooms or spaces affect you
• descriptions of specific buildings, what they look like and how they are used
• development of a new vocabulary

Math
• proportions of architecture
• geometric shapes
• scale and units of measure

Science
• structures, spans, loads and foundations
• natural and artificial lighting
• solar applications
• thermal gain and loss
• application of technology in buildings
• ergonomics and the design of work stations and furniture
• traffic flows in and around buildings

Visual Arts
• texture
• patterns
• cultural qualities
• color
• styles
• aesthetic perception

As part of the “Architects in Schools” program, AIA Wisconsin has a number of resources available for use by member architects and teachers.

For elementary and middle school students, a 20-minute video, How Buildings Speak, illustrates how Architecture affects us every day. Featuring many familiar Wisconsin buildings, it introduces students to the basic elements of Architecture: form, scale, color, texture and materials. The video was produced by AIA Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Architects Foundation. As students learn the language of Architecture, they discover that buildings have a lot of say about the world around them.

For high school students, AIA Wisconsin members are available for “Career Days” and other programs. AIA Wisconsin has handout materials for students who may be interested in becoming architects. For example, Careers in Architecture highlights career options and outlines education, experience and examination requirements. In addition, a PowerPoint presentation on “A Student’s Pathway to Architecture” reviews the steps involved in becoming an architect.

Helpful Links

• ArchCareers.org This Web site will give you an overview to the varied and diverse paths to a career in architecture and of the requirements for registration.

• Discussion Topics and Activity suggestions for Architects visiting Classrooms & General Groups (MS Excel spreadsheet for download; prints on 8 1/2 x 11" sheet)

Grades K-2 : Construction Ahead! http://www.eduplace.com/rdg/gen_act/pigs/oink1.html Designing a stronger and more efficient house.
Duration: 2 hours

Grades 3-5 : Be an Architect
http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/play/arch2/index.html#
Students learn what architecture is, the terms used, types of architecture, and build a virtual house.
Duration: 20 minutes

• NCARB - "Pathways to Architecture"
• Overview on Licensing of Architects
• Monona Terrace Educator's Page

• Milwaukee Art Museum Tours and Facts
• Wisconsin State Capitol Tours and Facts
• Self-Guided Historic Walking Tours
• Walking Tours (Madison Trust for Historic Preservation)

• Architecture Careers Brochure (PDF)

• Architecture Careers information at Akropolis.net

Making News
AIA Southwest Wisconsin architects help students explore Milwuakee history

Contact AIA Wisconsin
Phone: (608) 257-8477