Architecture
Whether it’s the monoliths of Stonehenge or the towering spires of modern skyscrapers, architecture combines science and art. Architects must decide what materials and construction methods are best, as well as what designs are most pleasing. Learn about the history of architecture and how structures reveal a culture through the direct links on the Times Launch Point Web site: https://www.latimes.com/launchpoint.
Level 1
ArchKIDecture: What kinds of materials are used to construct buildings, and what kinds of unusual and incredible structures do these materials make? Learn about the basic elements of architecture and get acquainted with famous architects such as Anton Gaudi, who hoped that someday “all buildings will be soft and furry.”
https://www.solidprint.com/julieweb/page1.html
Draw Your House: Architects must be able to visualize a finished building. See how others have depicted houses and then practice this technique by learning how to draw your house in detail.
https://www.arts.ufl.edu/art/rt_room/sparkers/house/house.html
Wonders of the World: The seven ancient wonders of the world were considered to be exceptional achievements of architecture, engineering, technology and art. View both ancient and modern wonders of the world--from the ancient pyramids to the St. Louis Arch.
https://tqjunior.advanced.org/5983/
Level 2
Architecture Through the Ages: Discover architectural styles through this trip around the world. See how Mayan, Aztec, Greek and Roman temples compare with European cathedrals and learn why different cultures developed certain types of dwellings.
https://hyperion.advanced.org/10098/
Thinkquest Junior: Architecture Through the Ages: The Ancient Greeks primarily used marble as they developed three distinct styles for their buildings: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Learn about the architecture of seven historical periods, get acquainted with architectural terms through a glossary, and view a photo album of impressive structures.
https://tqjunior.advanced.org/3786/index.html#Ancient
I Want to Be an Architect: Meet architects and learn how architecture incorporates such elements as engineering, construction management and design of both interiors and landscapes.
https://arc.futurescan.com/architect/index.html
Level 3
Digital Archive of Architecture: Explore how architecture has developed over the centuries and from country to country. Read about key figures such as Le Corbusier and I.M. Pei, and view examples of work such as the Ionic columns at the University of Virginia designed by Thomas Jefferson, U.S. president and architect.
https://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/arch/contents_europe.html
Frank Lloyd Wright: Have you ever heard of Falling Water or Taleisin? Learn about this man who believed that “form and function are one” and whose designs changed the face of 20th century American architecture.
https://www.pbs.org/flw/
The Great Buildings Collection: From Gothic to Baroque to Postmodern, explore the world of architecture through this searchable database that organizes structures by building name, construction type, architect, context and even climate. View photos and timelines to help you place styles within their cultural and historic context.
https://www.greatbuildings.com/
EXPLORER’S QUEST
The answer to this Internet quiz can be found in the sites at right.
What are two strengths of the geodesic domes designed by Buckminster Fuller?
CLUE: See ArchKIDecture
Find What You Need to Know: Have a project on California history? Need help doing a math problem? Launch Point now covers more than 100 topics for getting your schoolwork done. Go to https://www.latimes.com/launchpoint for the full list of subjects and direct links to the best Internet sites.
Answer to last week’s Quest: Edison, who said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration, tried about 6,000 materials until he found the right filament for the lightbulb.
Launch Point is produced by the UC Irvine department of education, which reviews each site for appropriateness and quality. Even so, parents should supervise their children’s use of the Internet. This column was designed by Holly M. Fletcher, Alicia Keeling, Tori Kennedy and Anna Manring.
